Day: October 7, 2014

Incident #: 50-14-27137  Date/Time:  October 6, 2014, 1030PM

Location: Romano’s Pizza, 768 Walker Road, Dover, DE

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is working to identify two suspects involved in an armed robbery of Romano’s Pizza on Monday night.  At approximately 10:30PM, two suspects entered the restaurant with masks covering their faces after forcing their way through the rear door as the business was closing.  The suspects displayed black handguns and demanded money from the register.  The suspects were given an undisclosed amount of cash and fled through the rear of the business into a field.  Efforts to locate the suspects, including a K9 track by Milford Police Department, were unsuccessful.  The suspects were described as being 20-30 years of age males, wearing all black, with black hooded sweatshirts over their head.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111 or  call the Delaware Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-Tip-3333 or go online at www.tipsubmit.com.

Officer releasing this information:
Cpl. Mark Hoffman
Public Information Officer
302-736-7130

Incident #: 50-14-27120  Date/Time:  October 6, 2014

Location: Woodmill Apartments, 1300 South Farmview Drive, Dover, DE

Narrative:
The Dover Police Department Criminal investigations unit is investigating a burglary into a ground floor apartment in the N Building of Woodmill Apartments.  The incident took place on monday, october 6th between 12:25PM and 5:00PM when the apartment was vacant.  Detectives learned that an unknown suspect forced open an exterior door, causing damage to the door jamb.  Once inside, the suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the bedroom along with a container of change.  No other items were taken or tampered with.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111 or  call the Delaware Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-Tip-3333 or go online at www.tipsubmit.com.

Officer releasing this information:
Cpl. Mark Hoffman
Public Information Officer
302-736-7130

Incident #: 50-14-20766  Date/Time:  October 6, 2014

Location: Kaizen Karate Academy, 155 Commerce Way, Dover, DE

Narrative:
A 33-year-old Smyrna man was arrested on October 6th after it was learned that he was having sexual encounters with a 14-year-old girl.  Harold Philhower, of Smyrna, was charged with a 3rd Degree Rape, 3 counts of possession of child pornography, and a single count of endangering the welfare of a child and is currently being held at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in lieu of $81,500 Secured Bond.  Detectives learned that Philhower was potentially involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old female through an anonymous tip.  Detectives conducted an investigation and learned that Philhower would meet the 14-year-old victim outside of the Kaizen Karate Academy and on at least one occasion, performed sexual acts on the victim.  It was also learned that Philhower and the victim met several times and had inappropriate contact at the same location.  The 14-year-old victim is a student at the karate academy.  Philhower’s spouse was an instructor at the academy at the time of the incidents.  It was later learned in the investigation that Philhower also received multiple nude images of the victim through a social media account.

At this time, detectives do not believe there are other victims in this case.  However, parents of children enrolled in the karate academy should discuss the matter with their children.  If parents are concerned their child was a victim, they should contact 302-736-7139 and speak with Detective Streadwick of the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Officer Releasing Information:  Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Update:
After being contacted by numerous witnesses as a result of the initial press release asking for more information, it was learned that the victim, Bruce Johnson, was walking southbound across West Division Street, away from the Bennie Smith Funeral Home and not northbound as indicated previously.  The Dover Police Department thanks those who contacted the investigating officer for providing the information.

Incident #: 50-14-25945     Date/Time: Friday, September 26, 2014 at 8:16PM

Location: West Division Street, in front of Bennie Smith Funeral Home Dover, DE

Narrative:

A 51 year-old man from Goldsboro, MD has died after being struck by a vehicle on Friday evening.  Bruce Johnson (51) attempted to cross West Division Street to get to the Bennie Smith Funeral Home (walking northbound) and stepped directly into the path of a 2008 Jeep Compass that was traveling eastbound on West Division Street.  The driver of the Jeep could not stop in time, and struck Johnson.  Johnson was taken to the Bayhealth Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.  There will be no charges filed against the driver and alcohol is not a factor in the accident.  No other injuries were reported by others involved in the accident.  Police are aware that several people witnessed the accident and are asking them to call 302-736-7122 ext. 7828 with any additional information.

Officer Releasing Information:
Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer (302)-736-7130