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

Lewes, DE – Troopers have arrested a Millsboro man after a physical domestic complaint with his ex-girlfriend.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 as a 9-1-1 call was received from a 38 year old female reporting she had been in an altercation with her ex-boyfriend, John C. Atkins, 46 of Millsboro. Troopers then responded to a residence in the 18,000 block of Evelynton Road, Lewes.

The preliminary investigation determined that Atkins was given permission by the victim to remove property from her residence. When the victim arrived at her residence she observed Atkins had removed other items and an argument ensued. The victim jumped into Atkin’s truck and began striking property in his vehicle in attempt to damage it. The domestic became physical outside of the vehicle as Atkins pushed the victim against her vehicle. Atkins then kicked the victim’s vehicle causing damage before leaving in his vehicle.

John C. Atkins responded to Troop 7 in Lewes and was charged with Offensive Touching and Criminal Mischief. He was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and was released on $1000.00 unsecure bond. (no photo available at this time)

Released: 060516 2241

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested three men for heroin possession after a pursuit near Seaford.

The incident occurred around 5:25 p.m. Sunday June 5, 2016, as a trooper on patrol in the area of Sussex Highway (US13) and Herring Run Road observed a blue Nissan Altima traveling westbound on Herring Run Road turn into the Seaford Village Shopping Center. A computer inquiry into the Delaware registration indicated that the vehicle had been flagged as wanted due to felony warrants for burglaries and a recent pursuit with troopers.  The trooper was able to get behind the vehicle as it traveled through the parking lot and as the Nissan approached the southwest corner of the shopping center, the trooper activated the emergency equipment in order to conduct a traffic stop.  The car failed to stop and made a U-turn in the parking lot and drove northbound until it was able to turn westbound on Herring Run Road.  The operator then continued through the intersection of Bridgeville Highway and then northbound on Ross Station Road.  At the intersection of Atlanta Road, the Altima drove southbound a short distance to Owls Nest Road where it continued westbound until the operator lost control on a sharp left corner and came to a stop in a cornfield.

The driver, who was later identified as Davontay L. Turner, 22 of Bridgeville, then fled out of the vehicle until he was taken into custody without further incident by the pursuing trooper.  Two passengers in the car, Douglas E. Butler, 21 of Bridgeville, and Vanessa Thomas-Paul, 20 of Ashburn, Virginia, remained with the vehicle and were taken into custody without incident by assisting troopers.  A search of the vehicle revealed a total of 427 bags of heroin weighing 6.405 grams, .9 grams of cocaine, 7.15 grams of marijuana, and over $1,100.00 in suspected drug proceeds.

All three were transported back to Troop 5 in Bridgeville where Douglas Butler and Vanessa Thomas-Paul were charged with Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy 2^nd, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, and three counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Vanessa Thomas-Paul was additionally charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence when she threw a purple bag from the passenger’s side window containing heroin.  They were both arraigned at JP3 and remanded to the custody of the Delaware Department of Corrections in lieu of $11,650.00 secured bond and $12,750.00 secured bond respectively.

Davontay Turner was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Conspiracy 2^nd, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal, Resisting Arrest, four counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended or Revoked, and various other traffic related offenses involved in this incident.  He was also arrested on three other warrants that stemmed from incidents that occurred between May 19, 2016 and June 2, 2016, one of them in which was a domestic related assault in which he strangled his ex-girlfriend during an argument after he broke into her home at Hickory Tree Apartments in Selbyville.  For that incident, he was charged with three counts of Burglary 2^nd, Robbery 2^nd, Strangulation, and Offensive Touching.  In all, his total bond for all charges is $80,429.00 secured.  He is currently incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution.

Released: 060616 1115

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale 

New Castle, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a large amount of heroin late last week.

The incident occurred on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at approximately 11:15 a.m., as troopers were responding to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, for the report of two suspicious subjects who had been inside of the building. As troopers were arriving, they were advised that both subjects had exited the building and were seen exiting the parking lot in a tan Toyota Camry. It was at this time that the troopers observed a vehicle matching the provided description stopped on Hessler Boulevard at the intersection of US Rt. 13 (N. DuPont Highway), and noticed that the front seat passenger of the car was not wearing a seatbelt. As the vehicle turned onto northbound US Rt. 13, they conducted a traffic stop of the car.

As the troopers made contact with the operator of the car, later identified as Alexis Valentin, 31, of New Castle, as well as a 21 year old Wilmington man, they noticed the strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside of the car. Troopers subsequently removed both subjects from the vehicle and after conducting a search of the car; they located a total of 2,946 baggies (approximately 44.19 grams) of heroin packaged for sale in the vehicle’s center console and trunk.

Alexis Valentin and the 21 year old male passenger were both transported to Troop 2 Glasgow where after further investigation, Alexis Valentin was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity and Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance in a Tier 4 Quantity. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution for lack of $120,000.00 cash bail. The 21 year old male was released without being charged.

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Released: 060616 0715

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Laurel, DE – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a single vehicle crash that killed one person.

The incident occurred around 9:21 p.m. Sunday June 5, 2016 as Alvaro De Jesus Garcia, 31 of Laurel, was operating a 2009 Nissan Altima eastbound on Sharptown Road (SR24) approaching the intersection with Mt Pleasant Road. The Altima was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a moderate left curve, exiting the roadway and traveling down an embankment where it struck a utility pole.  It continued to sideswipe one tree and then another tree before violently rotating and re-entering the roadway where it came to a stop.

Alvaro De Jesus Garcia was not properly restrained and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Henry Ortiz Escalante, 19 of Laurel, was an unrestrained front seat passenger and was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where he was admitted with serious injuries.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in this case.  SR24 between Mt Pleasant Road and Ellis Grove Road was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 060616 0700

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Fenwick Island, De.- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Washington D.C. man in possession of several counterfeit bills.

The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred today, June 5, 2016 at approximately 10:33 a.m., Troopers were dispatched to the Harpoon Hanna’s Restaurant, located at 39064 Harpoon Rd, Fenwick Island, De. for a possible fraud complaint.

An employee of the Harpoon Hanna’s Restaurant advised that a friend had made a post on social media about the suspect using counterfeit bills at another restaurant in Ocean City. This suspect matched the description and was later identified as Sidney V. Rogers III, 25 of Washington D.C., Rogers attempted to pay the check with seven counterfeit bills which totaled $155.00. Upon discovering the money was counterfeit; Rogers tried to give the employee an additional $160.00 of U.S. currency.

Sidney V. Rogers III was transported to Troop 4 in Georgetown and was charged with seven Felony counts of Forgery 1^st degree; Possession of Counterfeit Bills and Theft by False Pretense. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $36,000.00 cash bond. (mug shot attached)

If anyone has witnessed or may have any information in reference to this or similar incidents are asked to contact Cpl. T. Powell at 302-856-5850 of the Delaware State Police Troop 4 in Georgetown.  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.”

If anyone has witnessed or may have any information in reference to this or similar incidents in Ocean City, Maryland are asked to call Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610.

 Released: 060516 1911

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

 Townsend, DE- Delaware State Police is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred last evening east of Townsend.

The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred on Saturday, June 04, 2016 at approximately 7:10 p.m., as Tanner Calder, 22 of Townsend, was operating a 2002 Dodge Dakota westbound on Blackbird Landing Road two miles east of US 13. For unknown reasons, the Dakota drifted off the north right side of the roadway and into some mud and tall grass. The vehicle continued to travel westbound with the right side of the vehicle off the roadway and the left side of the vehicle on the roadway. The front and undercarriage of the vehicle struck a drainage culvert on Blackbird Landing Road. The vehicle continued and then struck two trees before overturning and landing of its roof.

Tanner Calder was transported by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center with life threatening injuries. It is unknown if Calder was wearing his seatbelt. Speed and alcohol appear to be contributing factors in the collision.

Logan Banks, 20 of Middletown, a passenger in the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. Banks was wearing his seatbelt.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Blackbird Landing Road was closed in both directions for approximately 2.5 hours while the collision was investigated.

Released: 060516 0941

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**Traffic Advisory**

 Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash

 Townsend, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this evening in Townsend.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. today, Saturday, June 04, 2016 on Blackbird Landing Road in the area of US Rt. 13, Townsend, and involves a single vehicle. As a result of the crash an adult male subject has died.

Blackbird Landing Road between Union Church Road and US Rt. 13 has been closed to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has responded to the scene of the crash and has assumed the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

 Released: 060416 2011

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

**Traffic Advisory**

Townsend, DE- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this evening in Townsend.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. today, Saturday, June 04, 2016 on Blackbird Landing Road in the area of US Rt. 13, Townsend, and involves a single vehicle. As a result of the crash an adult male subject has died.

Blackbird Landing Road between Union Church Road and US Rt. 13 has been closed to traffic and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has responded to the scene of the crash and has assumed the investigation. More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. 

Released: 060416 2011

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

Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington man on drug charges after a short pursuit.

The initial investigation has determined the incident occurred at approximately 8:32 p.m. last night, Friday June 3, 2016 as troopers were patrolling the area of Sussex Highway and Cannon Road attempting to locate a vehicle that had just been pursued by the Harrington Police Department. Harrington Police discontinued the pursuit and advised the vehicle involved was a Nissan Maxima.  The vehicle was also described as having dark tinted windows with a registration for a Chevrolet Camaro.

A trooper observed the Nissan Maxima southbound on Sussex Highway, with the fictitious tag, turn onto Bridgeville Highway. The trooper initiated the traffic stop with emergency lights and siren. The operator refused to stop and immediately started to speed up, passing vehicles in a no-passing zone.  The vehicle then turned left onto Dutton Road and passed a shoulder in the grass.  The suspect vehicle then made an immediate left turn into Seaford Meadows and sped through the development.  As the suspect vehicle approached the southern entrance to Seaford Meadows it made a left onto Dutton Road and a black male suspect jumped out of the vehicle and hid in a patch of tall grass. The trooper located and apprehended one of the suspects later identified as Theodore Smallwood, 19 of Wilmington.

Smallwood was found to be in possession of marijuana, heroin, drug paraphernalia and money. Smallwood was transported to Troop 5 where he was charged by troopers for Resisting Arrest, Possession of Marijuana and Heroin and four counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was unable to be arraigned due to being impaired and he was subsequently committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute. He also had multiple capiases out of various courts in New Castle County. (mug shot attached 9/16/15)

The vehicle was located a short time later abandoned in Seaford.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident or the identity of the occupants, they are asked to contact Trooper C. Breidigan at 302-337-1090. 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.”

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/DEStatePolice . To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Nextdoor application, please click on the following link: https://nextdoor.com/.

Released: 060416 1321

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Dover- The following are not wanted.  This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification.  If you have information that any of the listed subjects are occupying a residence, please contact 302-672-5306.  Information may also be provided via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Donald Loper, 36, is a Tier 2 (Moderate Risk) sex offender who has registered homeless in Dover. Click or copy and paste to view profile and the community notice poster:  https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/Poster/00001082

Matthew M. Stanford, 36, is a Tier 3 (High Risk) sex offender who has registered homeless in Dover. Click or copy and paste to view profile and the community notice poster:  https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/Poster/00005540

Released: 060416 0821

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark, DE- The Delaware State Police New Castle County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) has arrested two people after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a large amount of heroin early Thursday morning.

The incident began on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at approximately 1:00 a.m., as members of the GTF were on patrol in the area of US Rt. 13 (N. DuPont Highway) and DE Rt. 273 (Christiana Road) New Castle, when they observed the operator of a white Chevrolet Tahoe talking on a cellular phone while driving. As the Tahoe turned southbound on DE Rt. 7 (Bear-Christiana Road), GTF members activated their emergency equipment on their patrol vehicles. The operator of the Tahoe, later identified as Anthony Owens, 31, of Newark, refused to stop; however, and sped away. As Owens reached the intersection of Rt. 7 and Rivers End Drive, he threw a bag out of the car and continued traveling in a southbound direction. He finally brought his car to a stop on Newtown Road, just west of Rt. 7. GTF members then made contact with Owens and were able to take him into custody after a brief struggle. A subsequent search of Owens and his vehicle revealed $401 cash, a digital scale, and several key cards belonging to the Dutch Inn Motel, located at 111 S. DuPont Highway, New Castle. GTF members then responded back to the area of Rt. 7 and Rivers End Drive, where they discovered a plastic bag containing 1,560 bags (23.4 grams) of heroin.

Further investigation revealed that Owens was the registered guest of two rooms at the Dutch Inn. GTF members responded to the motel and upon knocking on the door to one of the rooms, they came into contact with a second male subject, later identified as Richard L. Foulke, 25, of New Castle. After questioning, Foulke admitted that he was in possession of an unknown quantity of heroin in the room. A search warrant for the room was then obtained and upon executing the warrant, GTF members located an additional 2,524 bags (37.8 grams) of heroin.

Richard Foulke and Anthony Owens were both arrested and transported to Troop 2, Glasgow. Richard Foulke (pictured black shirt) was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 4 Quantity, and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution for lack of $51,000.00 secured bail.

Anthony Owens was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 4 Quantity, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree, and several traffic offenses. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released after posting $53,003.00 secured bail.

Released: 060416 0740

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