Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale 

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating the robbery of an area pharmacy which occurred Monday evening.

The investigation has determined that the incident occurred on Monday, June 13, 2016, at approximately 7:20 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Walgreens located at 1508 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington. The suspect then approached a male clerk and implied that he was armed. He then demanded cigarettes from the clerk. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cigarettes to him. The suspect then exited the business and was last seen fleeing in an unknown make and model vehicle. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male, 30-35 years of age. He was 5’10”-6’00” tall, weighed 160-175 lbs., and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, blue shorts, and blue and white sneakers. There is no further physical or clothing description available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2, at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061516 1005

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Millsboro, DE – The Delaware State Police have arrested five suspects after responding to an underage consumption and loud party complaint east of Millsboro.

The preliminary investigation has determined on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 10:00 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a loud party and possible underage consumption complaint located in the 35,000 block of 7^th Street, Bay City Mobile Home Park, Millsboro. As troopers arrived at the residence several subjects fled from a shed on the north side of the residence. After apprehending the suspects at the residence, heroin and drug paraphernalia were observed inside the shed which totaled 46 bundles (8.97 grams) seized. A 1998 Lexus was also located at the residence that belonged to one of the suspects that fled. Marijuana was observed in the vehicle and a search warrant was executed which revealed 2.3 grams of marijuana seized.

The investigation revealed an 11 year old child and daughter of the homeowner was asleep inside the residence during the party. A family friend subsequently took custody of the child until her mother arrived at the residence.

The following subjects were apprehended at the residence and charged with the following:

Bryant Evans, 46 of Millsboro, was transported to Troop 7 where he was charged with maintaining a Dwelling, Possession Heroin Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver, Endangering the Welfare, Possession Drug Paraphernalia and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree.  He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $25,000.00 secured bond. (mug shot attached)

Steven Mauthe, 25 of Magnolia, was transported to Troop 7 and charged with Failure to comply with fingerprints, possession heroin tier 5, Possession with the Intent to Deliver, Endangering the Welfare, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, Conspiracy 2^nd degree, hindering prosecution and resisting arrest. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $23,500.00 secured bond. (mug shot attached)

John Chianese, 33 of Millsboro, was transported to Troop 7 and issued a criminal summons for criminal impersonation and subsequently had two active capiases, one from Sussex Superior Court and one from Kent County Court of Common Pleas. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute on the capiases. (mug shot attached)

Brittany Baker, 19 of Clayton, was transported to Troop 7 and charged with possession of heroin tier 5, Possession with the Intent to Deliver, Endangering the welfare, Possession of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy 2^nd degree. She was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institute in default of $16,500 secured bond. (mug shot attached)

Nicole Goodwin, 43 of Millsboro, was wanted for Burglary and Theft out of Troop 7 Lewes. She was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and was released on $5,500.00 unsecured bond. (mug shot attached)

The suspects who fled are described as a white male and black male approximately 5’08”- 6’02” tall, 150-170 lbs. no further description is available at this time.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or knows the identity of the other subjects who fled they are asked to contact Corporal Michelle Hawk of Troop 7 at 302-703-3306. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061416 1451

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Presented By Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale 

**Update** 

Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash 

Smyrna, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate a two vehicle crash which has claimed the life of a Hartly, DE woman.

The investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 11:35 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, as Jose Tuma-Aid, 75, of Hartly, DE, was operating a 2006 Toyota Highlander and was traveling in a westbound direction on Wheatley’s Pond Road (SR 300) east of Bryn Zion Road, Smyrna. Tuma-Aid fell asleep as he was operating his vehicle, which caused him to drift off of the north edge of the roadway. The front of his vehicle then struck the left rear of a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier which was stopped on the westbound shoulder of Wheatley’s Pond Road, and which was occupied by Doris M. Johnson, 84, of Hartly. After the impact Johnson’s vehicle traveled in a westbound direction and into a small ditch before it re-entered the roadway and came to rest. The Toyota also traveled in a westbound direction for a short distance before coming to rest in a small ditch off of the north edge of the roadway.

Doris Johnson, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was treated at the scene by Kent County Paramedics. She was then transported to the Kent General Hospital by EMS where she was pronounced dead.

Jose Tuma-Aid was also properly restrained at the time of the crash. He was treated at the scene by Kent County Paramedics before being transported to the Kent General Hospital with minor injuries.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Alcohol use is not being considered as a factor in the crash.

Wheatley’s Pond Road between Bryn Zion Road and Mt. Friendship Road was closed for approximately 2 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 061416 1700

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**Original Release** 

Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash 

Smyrna, DE- Delaware State Police are investigating a two vehicle crash which has claimed the life of one person that occurred late this morning west of Smyrna.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 11:36 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in the 1500 block of Wheatley’s Pond Road, Smyrna. As a result of the crash, a female operator of one of the vehicles has been pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. The operator of the second vehicle received minor injuries.

Wheatley’s Pond Road between Bryn Zion Road and Mt. Friendship Road is currently closed and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. More information will be provided at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 061416 1335

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard Bratz

Felton, DE – Troopers are currently investigating a shooting that occurred early this morning near Felton.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred at approximately 3:19 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016, in the unit block of Weatherstone Lane, Felton, as a 9-1-1 call was made reporting multiple shots fired during a party at a residence. Troopers arrived on scene, secured the area and contacted several witnesses as they attempted to leave the location.

Shortly after the report of shots fired, one victim, a 15 year old female arrived at the Frederica Volunteer Fire Department by privately owned vehicle with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. EMS transported the victim to a local area hospital where she is listed in stable condition. The victim was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.

Delaware State Police detectives conducted multiple interviews which revealed that an argument occurred outside of the residence. As several subjects were leaving, the argument escalated into a fight and shots were fired subsequently striking the victim.

The suspect is described as a skinny black male approximately 17-20 years of age, 5’08” to 5’ 10” tall with a white t-shirt.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit assigned to Troop 3 is currently investigating this incident. The investigation is in the early stages and more information will be released when it becomes available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective D. Blomquist at 302-698-8426. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061416  1101

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Seaford, De.-The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently conducting an investigation of an apparent fatal crash of a man operating an ATV near a tax ditch.

The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred on Sunday, June 12, 2016, at approximately 4:22 p.m. at a private farm field on Bethel Concord Road, Seaford. A 2001 Polaris Sportsman 700 four wheel ATV was operated by a 36 year old male of Seaford, who was traveling in a north westerly direction on a private farm field along a tax ditch at the rear of the property. It appears the ground gave way along the ditch causing the ATV to roll to the right down an embankment approximately ten feet deep. The ATV came to rest on top of the operator who was found underneath the ATV at the bottom of the ditch which contained a very shallow amount of water.

The operator, who was found on Monday June 13, 2016 at approximately 8:49 p.m., was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Alcohol appears to be a factor.

The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted and responded to the scene in order to remove the victim. An autopsy will be conducted in an attempt to determine the cause and manner of death. The name of the victim is being withheld at this point pending the notification of his next of kin.

Traffic on Bethel Concord Road was not affected during this investigation which occurred on private property.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.

Released: 061416  0911

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Millville, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating a crash involving a dump truck carrying a load of dirt that occurred today.

The incident occurred around 4:26 p.m. this afternoon on Monday, June 13, 2016 as a 1985 Mack Truck loaded with dirt, operated by Adam J. Prettyman, 28 of Georgetown, was traveling northbound on Roxana Road approaching a traffic-signal controlled intersection with Atlantic Avenue. A 2010 GMC van operated by Dennis Marvel, 60 of Selbyville, was in the left turn lane of westbound Atlantic Avenue and a 2005 Dodge Dakota, operated by Ryan G. Morgan, 40 of Dagsboro, was in the eastbound travel lane, both stopped for the red traffic-signal. In an attempt to make a right turn as the traffic signal was turning from “Yellow” to “Red”, the dump truck entered into the intersection at an unsafe speed at which time the load of the dump bed shifted to the left, subsequently causing the vehicle to overturn onto its side. As the dump truck overturned onto its left side, the top left of the dump bed landed on the GMC Van’s front. After impact, the dirt was thrown from the bed striking the Dodge Dakota driver’s side door.

There were no injuries associated with this collision. EMS responded to the scene and no treatment was requested from any of the parties involved.

Adam J. Prettyman was cited with Careless Driving as a result of the collision.

DELDOT responded to the scene in order to remove and haul away the dirt from the roadway as well as sweep the road.

Atlantic Avenue was closed in both directions for approximately two hours while the collision was investigated. Traffic was re-routed by the fire police through the Hocker’s parking lot.

Please see attached photos.

Released: 061316 2021

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Presented by Public Information Office Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale 

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police Robbery Unit detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect who robbed three area gas stations in a two day period earlier this month.

In each incident, the suspect would enter the targeted business and confront a store employee, implying that he was armed. He would then demand money and cigarettes before fleeing from the store. There were no injuries in any of the incidents and no weapon was ever displayed.

The pictured suspect is described as a black male. He was 20-40 years of age, 5’06”-5’10” tall, with a large build.

Detectives have linked the suspect to the following robberies:

• Valero, 1327 McKennan’s Church Road, Wilmington, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 1:54 a.m.
• Exxon, 5301 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 2:50 a.m.
• Exxon, 5301 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 11:21 p.m.

If anyone has any information in reference to these incidents they are asked to contact Detective Steven Rizzo at 302-365-8440. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061316 1455

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Angola, Sussex County, DE – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating multiple thefts from vehicles at several residences east of Angola.

The preliminary investigation has determined on Monday, June 13, 2016 an unknown number of suspects entered approximately fourteen different vehicles stealing items and also rummaging through unsecured vehicles at multiple residences in the Angola and Beach Estates south of CR 277, Angola Road. These thefts occurred during the late night hours to the early morning hours.

The items that were stolen included: electronic devices and U.S. currency. In most of these cases the vehicles were parked in the victim’s driveways or adjacent to the victim’s residence and were unsecured.

The Delaware State Police strongly urge people to utilize the following tips:

• Lock your car doors and roll up you windows
• Close and secure your garage doors.
• Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle
• Leave outdoor lights on in the driveway or have security lighting installed
• Report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately

If anyone has any information on these incidents, they are asked to contact Troop 7 in Lewes at 302-644-5020; or (9-1-1 for in progress complaints or emergencies). Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061316 1311

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Magnolia, DE- The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery of a pizza delivery man that occurred last night.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at approximately 10:23 p.m., as Troopers were dispatched to the area of Millchop Lane and Peachtree Run, Magnolia for a robbery of a 22 year old male pizza delivery man, employed by Papa John’s Pizza. The driver attempted to deliver a pizza to an address on Fox Hollow Drive and found that the address didn’t exist. He stopped at another address on Fox Hollow Drive and spoke to the resident. The homeowner confirmed that he did not order a pizza. As the driver began to leave the neighborhood to make his next delivery he reached the intersection of Fox Hollow Drive and Fox Run Drive and was approached by three suspects that confirmed they had ordered the pizza. One of the suspects produced a handgun. Another suspect was holding a baseball bat. The three suspects demanded money and the victim’s cell phone. The victim complied and handed over money and his cell phone. The armed suspect then punched the victim’s face. The three suspects fled the scene on foot in a westbound direction on Fox Hollow Drive. The victim was not injured.

The first suspect is described as a black male approximately 6′ 00” tall, 200 lbs., 25-30 years old,  dark skin, with his face covered, armed with an unknown handgun. The second suspect is described as a black male approximately 5’04” tall, 175 lbs., 25-30 years old and armed with baseball bat. The third suspect is described as a black male approximately 5’04” tall, 175 lbs., 25-30 years old.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Sgt. J. Lloyd at 302-698-8434. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061316 1151

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

 Long Neck, DE- Delaware State Police are currently looking for violators who drive off-highway vehicles in the Long Neck area. This addresses the concerns of residents about the dangers of golf carts and motor scooters on the public roads. There has been an increase in the illegal use of these type of vehicles which may cause hazardous and safety issues.

There have been other reports of motorcycle racing between Massey’s Landing and Malone’s Bayside Marina. As well as, reports of impaired drivers coming to and from the areas of Long Neck Road, Bay Road and Massey’s Landing.

The Delaware State Police has provided preventative patrols in response to the community concerns. In order to maintain safe roads and educate yourself please note the following information; Title 21, subsection 6814a, which prohibits off-highway vehicles which includes golf carts on public roadways or right of ways.  Penalties are listed in 6831.  The first offense is a $100 fine, plus impound of up to 100 days at the owner’s expense at the time of conviction. A second offense is a $400 fine, plus impound.  Other items of interest include; Title 21 subsection 6824, which specifies that OHV operated on private property, can be driven by operators over 12 years of age as long as they are supervised by someone 18 years of age or over provided such use is in compliance with all required safety provisions.  If the operator is under 18, they cannot transport passengers.   Title 21 subsection 6817 requires headlights and tail lights between sunset and sunrise.  Please note, however, that some golf carts are actually registered motor vehicles, properly equipped with headlights, taillights, seatbelts, etc.

If anyone has witnessed or may have any information in reference to these incidents they are asked to contact the Sussex Emergency Operations Center by calling 855-2980 or (9-1-1 for any emergencies). Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com  or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061316 1051

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