Suspect Cleared in Assault of Elderly Victim, Misidentified by Victim
Update:
The Dover Police Department has cleared Clarence Heath of the assault on the elderly male as of August 6, 2014. It was discovered a couple of days after the incident that Heath was not in the area. At the time of the incident the victim identified Heath by name and description, stating that he and Heath have had issues prior to this incident. After further investigation it was determined that the elderly victim misidentified Heath as the suspect. The warrant for Heath has since been cancelled and he is no longer wanted.
Officer Releasing Information: Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Incident #: 50-14-19963 Date/Time: Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 3:20PM
Location: 800 Block of Forest Street, Dover, DE
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is seeking a Dover man after assaulting an elderly male with the victims own cane Thursday afternoon. Officers responded to the 800 block of Forest Street for a report of an elderly man lying on the ground, bleeding from his head. The victim advised officers that he was walking to an area locksmith to get assistance getting into his residence. While he was walking through a yard, he observed suspect Clarence heath following him. The victim advised he told Heath to leave him alone, at which point Clarence Heath knocked him to the ground. Heath then took the victims metal cane and struck the victim in the head/face area several times before fleeing the area. Officers were able to identify the suspect, Clarence Heath, based on investigative information and the description given by the victim. Heath is currently wanted for Assault 2nd Degree on a Person 62 years of age or older, a Class D Felony.