On Wednesday, September 30th, the Dover Police Department will hold a press conference to announce its latest internet based partnership with Nextdoor. Nextdoor is an online platform that allows neighbors of individual neighborhoods and communities communicate across a secure network and allows police to communicate messages to those specific neighborhoods as well. The program is designed to connect community members and develop relationships that will make communities stronger and safer and is another way the Dover Police Department is working to improve community policing strategies.
Date:Wednesday, September 30th Time: 10:00AM Location: Dover Police Department Public Assembly Room
Speakers at the press conference will include Joseph Porcelli from Nextdoor, Mayor Robin Christiansen, and Chief Paul Bernat. There will be a brief period for questions after the press conference. Any questions or requests for information can be made to MCpl. Mark Hoffman via email at: mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us
To learn more about Nextdoor and how law enforcement can utilize the program, watch the videos below:
Captain Dave Spicer, of the Dover Police Department, joined two hundred and twenty-five Law enforcement officers that graduated today from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The 261st Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states. Included in the class are members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 23 international countries, five military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.
The FBI National Academy is considered the most prestigious law enforcement school available. The National Academy has long been a vital element in the continuing improvement of law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation throughout the world. The FBI National Academy provides a wide range of leadership and specialized training, as well as an opportunity for professional law enforcement officers to share ideas, techniques, and experiences. Attendees are invited after being nominated by their department. Once nominated, the Officers undergo an extensive background check and interview process. Admission to the FBINational Academy is very limited: only 1/2 of 1 percent of all law enforcement in the world are invited by the Director of the FBI to attend the academy. Law Enforcement officers from around the world submit to concentrated studies and demanding physical training for ten weeks. Once the officers graduate from the National Academy, they are encouraged to join the FBI National Academy Associates located in their State or region. The Dover Police Department is extremely fortunate and proud to have 25 officers graduate from the FBI National Academy to this date.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
FBI Director James Comey was the principal speaker at the ceremony.
Training for the program is provided by the FBI Academy instructional staff, Special Agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise.
Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia due to the accreditation by the university of the many courses offered.
The graduating officers will be represented by the class spokesperson, Ian Stratford, Inspector, Toronto Police Service, Cambridge Ontario, Canada. A total of 48,561 graduates now represent the alumni of the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935.
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for David Holsinger (45). Holsinger is a white male, last seen wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black hat. He was last seen at approximately 9:00PM on Tuesday, September 15th in the 100 Block of Nob Hill Road and was lasts in driving a silver 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (DE REG: 415971). Holsinger suffers from conditions that require treatment and his safety may be at risk if not properly cared for. If you have any information on Holsinger’s whereabouts, please contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111.
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
On Friday, September 11th, the Dover Police Department charged former Dover Little League President, William Berry, with several crimes in connection with theft of money from the league. Berry turned himself in to the Dover Police Department and was accompanied by an attorney.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Berry was taking money from the organization and its various fundraisers, and using the leagues credit card for unauthorized personal purchases totaling over $4,000.00 over a period of time.
Berry was released on $7,000 unsecured bond after being charged with the following offenses:
-Theft Over $1,500
-Theft by False Pretense Over $1,500
-Unlawful Use of Payment Card Over $1,500
-Forgery 3rd Degree (2)
William Berry Age: 52 Address: 100 Block Greenbriar Drive, Hartly, DE
Statement from Dover Little League Board of Directors: Following the values set forth by the Little League, the Dover Little League Board of Directors had the character and courage to pursue some questionable actions by our former president. Our Board is committed to maintaining the loyalty of our parents, players, community and sponsors. We regret deeply this incident has occurred but assure you it was dealt with swiftly. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional comments or information. We are thankful for the support of the Dover Police Department’s efforts and have been fully cooperative with their investigation.
The Dover Police Department responded to 16 shoplifting calls between Noon on September 3rd and Noon on September 10th. Of those 16 shoplifting complaints, six are still under investigation, two were unfounded, and 9 arrests/warrants obtained were made in 8 cases. One juvenile and 8 adult arrests were made.
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department arrested a 21-year-old Dover man for burglary and numerous other charges after series of events unfolded on Wednesday morning. At approximately 1:00AM, officers responded to the 100 Block of Willis Road for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the officers contacted the residents who advised that an unknown suspect kicked in the door to their residence between 12:00AM and 12:32AM. While inside, the suspect removed a sound bar and an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then kicked in a storage closet door and removed a laptop computer and PlayStation 3 game console. The victims advised the officers on scene that she observed a dark-colored Jaguar in the parking lot near her apartment with several subjects standing around it, which she believed was suspicious.
Approximately 45 minutes later, officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the area of Forrest Avenue and Fairway Lakes Drive involving a dark green Jaguar. As an officer arrived, he observed the suspect (later ID’d as Michael Walker, 21) removing a black shoe-box from the vehicle. Walker saw the officer and fled on foot and was apprehended a short time later. When the officers checked the vehicle, they discovered the PlayStation 3 inside of the shoe-box and the sound bar from the burglary inside of the vehicle. Officers were unable to locate the laptop computer that was stolen. It was later learned that Walker was also wanted by the Delaware State University Police for Robbery 1st Degree and had several capias (bench warrants) for Failure to Appear and Violation of Probation.
Walker was committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in default of $11,500 cash bond after being charged with the following offenses:
-Burglary 2nd Degree
-Theft Under $1500.00
-Criminal Mischief
-Resisting Arrest
Michael Walker, 21 Address: 1600 Block of North Taylor Drive, Dover
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
A call for a large fight in progress led to the arrest of a 16-year-old armed with a handgun on Tuesday night. At approximately 7:58PM, officers responded to the report of a large fight in the area of Kent Avenue and Water Street. The caller also advised that they saw one juvenile with a handgun and provided a description of the suspect, which was relayed to arriving officers. Officers arrived and located Tywon Peace, who matched the description that the officers were provided. Officer located a .22 caliber round in Peace’s pocket and learned through further investigation that Peace had been in a nearby vehicle. Officers checked the vehicle and discovered a .22 caliber Colt handgun in the vehicle. Peace was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to People’s Place in default of $2500.00 secured bond on a charge of Possession of a Handgun by Person Prohibited.
Tywon Peace Age: 16 Address: 3900 Block of Peach Tree Run, Dover
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has arrested two men for shooting a 20-year-old man twice within two hours. At approximately 9:28PM, the Dover Police Department received a 911 call for a report of shots fired in The Hamlet community. Officers responded to the area but found no evidence at the time of shots being fired and no victims were reported. At 11:12PM, officers responded to Whatcoat Apartments for a shooting and discovered the 20-year-old victim was shot in the chest. At that time it was also learned that the victim was shot and suffered a graze wound to the leg in the earlier shots fired call in The Hamlet, which occurred on Old Forge Drive. Through the investigation conducted by detectives, Alex Joseph (22) and Johnson Joseph (19) were developed as suspects. The Dover Police Department assisted by the Smyrna Police Department executed a search warrant at the suspects residence in the unit block of Freedom Drive in Dover. Both suspects were arrested without incident, and detectives were successful in location the gun they believe was used in the shooting of the 20-year-old victim.
While the Dover Police Department has arrested two suspects, the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com or through the Dover Police Department MyPD Mobile App.
Johnson Joseph
Age: 19
Address: Unit Block of Freedom Drive, Dover
Charges: Attempted 1st Degree Murder/Conspiracy 1st Degree
Johnson Joseph
Alex Joseph
Age: 22
Address: Unit Block of Freedom Drive, Dover
Charges: Attempted 1st Degree Murder
Conspiracy 1st Degree
Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
Assault 2nd Degree
Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
