Arrest Made In Kidnapping, Assault, and Torture of Elderly Man-Seeking Male Suspect

Incident #: 50-14-9313      Date/Time: Thursday, April 17th at 12:45AM

Location: 700 Block of South Halsey Road, Dover

Update:  The Dover Police Department arrested 33-year-old Shirley Smith on Thursday afternoon after receiving an anonymous tip of her location from a citizen who learned of the case via the Dover Police Department’s social media platforms.  Smith was arrested shortly after 5:00PM at the intersection of McKee Road and College Road.  After a brief struggle with arresting officers, Smith was successfully taken into custody.  At the time of this release, bond information was not available.  The department is now seeking the male suspect involved in this case.  The photo released earlier today that displayed a person of interest has been cleared in the investigation.  The male suspect has since been identified as Timothy Safford (38) of Dover.  The last known address of Safford is 1289 Walker Road (Liberty Court Apartments).

Anyone with any information should contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111. You may also submit an anonymous tip with Delaware Crime Stoppers by phone at: 1-800-847-3333 or online at: http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original Narrative:
The Dover Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating an early morning home invasion that resulted in the assault of an 82-year-old man. Officers responded to the residence at 7:35AM after receiving a 911 call from the victim stating he was robbed. The victim advised he arrived at his residence at approximately 12:45AM returning from a Dover restaurant. When he arrived at his home, he was confronted by Shirley Smith (33), and an unknown black male. Smith is reported to be an acquaintance of the victim. The victim advised he was forced from his vehicle and into his home, where he was then thrown to the ground, face down. The suspects then forced the victim to the rear bedroom of the residence and tied his hands behind his back and bound his legs and feet together using wires and cords from various items in the victims residence. The suspects then held a cutting object, possibly a knife, to the victim’s ear and demanded money from him. The victim provided the suspects with his bank card and information, as well as the location of cash in his vehicle. The suspects then cut the victim’s ear, and threatened to cut the victim’s ear off if he did not cooperate further. The victim was also stabbed numerous times in the back/torso area from the suspects. It is believed that the suspects may have used the victim’s kitchen knives in the assault/stabbing. During the incident, the suspects also stole the victims vehicle keys to a 2002 Buick LeSabre to flee the scene. The vehicle was later recovered in the 200 block of North Governors Boulevard, located in the Capitol Park housing development on Bay Road. The victim was able to free himself after being tied up for nearly seven hours prior to calling 911 for assistance. The victim is currently being treated for his injuries at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital and is expected to fully recover from his injuries. The Dover Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit has developed Shirley Smith (30) as the female suspect in the incident. A photo and pending charges are shown below.