Month: February 2016

Information Released By:  M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

The Dover Police Department has charged three men in connection with a series of four armed robberies in the Dover area dating back to January 7th, 2016.  The suspects were identified as Devin Thomas (19), Anthony Stafford-Jordan (19), and Kameron Scott (18).  The suspects were contacted at 11:00PM on February 16th by the Delaware State University Police Department when they responded to  a noise complaint at one of the dorm buildings on campus.  Responding DSU officers took the suspects into custody on unrelated charges and soon discovered that Scott was wanted by the Delaware State Police.  DSU officers also observed that two of the subjects were wearing shoes similar to those seen in surveillance footage retrieved from previous robberies.

Dover Police Detectives responded to Delaware State Police Troop 3 to question the suspects.  Further investigation and questioning by the detectives connected the suspects to the following robberies in the City of Dover:
-January 7th, The Grocery Basket, 301 N. Bradford St.
-January 14th, WAWA, 2800 N. DuPont Hwy.
-January 18th, Hollywood Diner, 123 N. DuPont Hwy.
-February 1st, 7-11, 654 N. DuPont Hwy.

The Delaware State Police also charged the trio in other incidents.  That press release can be viewed at the following link:  Delaware State Police News Room

As a result of the incidents, the suspects were charged with the following offenses:

The Dover Police Department is seeking feedback from the community it serves by offering citizens the opportunity to complete an online survey.  The survey allows citizens who respond to remain anonymous, while providing honest feedback about the Dover Police Department.  The Dover Police Department has conducted these surveys before, with this being the second time it is being offered online.  The 2016 survey can be found at the following link:

2016 Dover Police Department Survey

The feedback received from the community will help the police department determine needs of the community and help to provide better policing services for the citizens of Dover.

Complaint # 50-16-5070

Date/Time:   Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 at 8:57PM

Location:  Parking lot of WAWA, 290 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday evening.  The incident occurred at the WAWA located at 290 S. DuPont Highway, at 8:57PM.  The 22-year-old victim was exiting the store after getting money from the ATM inside the building.  As he was walking towards his car, he was approached by a male suspect.  The victim advised that the suspect was with three other persons, but approached the victim alone.  The suspect initially asked for a dollar from the victim.  The victim pulled his wallet out and gave the suspect a dollar, when the suspect replied “Wait a minute, give me the wallet” and pulled a knife from his hooded sweatshirt.  The victim complied and the suspect, along with the three other subjects, fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.  The suspect who contacted the victim was described as a black male, approximately 6′ tall, average build, light beard, 25-30 years old, and wearing a tan hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.  The other subjects with him were only described as being black males.

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.

Complaint # 50-16-5020

Date/Time:  Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 between 7:00AM-2:50PM

Location:  200 Block of Greenblade Drive, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating a residential burglary that occurred in the 200 block of Greenblade Drive on Tuesday.  The incident occurred between 7:00AM and 2:50PM when the residents of the home were away.  An unknown suspect(s) kicked in a door to the rear porch of the residence and proceeded to use a garden tool to break the sliding glass door to gain entry into the home.  Once inside, the suspect removed several items, including:
-Playstation 3
-XBOX
-Amazon Kindle Tablet
-Phillips Television
-ACER Tablet
-Nintendo Wii
-Playstation PSP
-Various clothing/shoes

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.

The Dover Police Department is proud to announce the 2015 Officer and Civilian of the Year.

Patrolman First Class James Johnson, 2015 Officer of the Year

Pfc. Johnson is a three year veteran of the Dover Police Department and the recipient of the 2015 Officer of the Year Award following his nomination for Officer of the 2nd Quarter.  Pfc. Johnson is currently assigned to the Street Crimes Unit and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), but served in the patrol unit for three years prior to those assignments.  Johnson was nominated for the award based on his outstanding work ethic, on-the-job instincts, and his dedication to the profession.  Johnson was also known to lead his respective shift in reports taken, traffic/criminal arrests, and case load.  While these characteristics are impressive, there were several specific incidents that demonstrate the many reasons he is the recipient of the 2015 Officer of the Year.

On Monday, June 29th, 2015, Pfc. Johnson responded to a residence on Willis Road for a call of a 3-year-old not breathing.  Upon arrival, Johnson immediately rendered aid to the toddler, who had blue lips and was not breathing.  Johnson began chest compressions as medical services arrived and began supplying oxygen to the 3-year-old boy.  It was later learned that the young boy survived as a result of Johnson’s ability to quickly react under stress.  Johnson was later reunited with Devon Schmitt, when his mother brought him to the police station.

On Friday, June 12th, 2015. Pfc. Johnson was called to the Wells Fargo Bank, located on S. Bradford Street for a suspect trying to pass a stolen/forged check.  The suspect left the bank prior to his arrival.  As Johnson was driving to the bank, he observed the suspect on foot and attempted to stop him.  The suspect fled on foot, but was soon captured by Pfc. Johnson.  The suspect had a magazine loaded with .22 caliber rounds and several more stolen checks.

On May 27, 2015, Pfc. Johnson assisted his fellow platoon officers in the apprehension of theft suspects following a series of thefts from vehicles.  In all, four suspects were apprehended in this incident.  Pfc. Johnson located four victims and was able to return most of their items that were stolen.  Johnson also conducted an interview with a suspect that led to a confession to another series of thefts from vehicles and several more charges.  Just a few weeks later on June 23rd, Johnson observed one of the suspects in the area of Kings Highway and DuPont Highway in the middle of the night.  Finding the behavior of the suspect suspicious, Johnson stopped and talked to him.  It was discovered that the suspect had an active arrest warrant and was taken into custody.  A search of the suspect led to the discovery of another persons cell phone, credit cards, and vehicle documents.  Johnson believed the items to be stolen, which was confirmed later in the day as the victims began to notify the police department of their losses.

Patrolman First Class James Johnson is a prime example of what makes the Dover Police Department successful in its mission to proudly serve the public.  Johnson will officially be recognized at the Spring Promotion and Awards Ceremony (Date TBD)

Kelly Morgan, 2015 Civilian of the Year

The Dover Police Department proudly recognizes Kelly Morgan as the 2015 Civilian of the Year.  Kelly has worked for the department for three years, primarily maintaining attendance and payroll records in the records department.  Kelly’s work ethic was cited in her nomination for the award along with several other attributes.  Kelly’s meticulous record keeping ensures the accuracy of reports, schedules, and payroll for the police department.  With over 130 employees (civilian and sworn), this is no easy task for one person to accomplish.  However, Kelly can often be seen in the department on Sunday’s, giving up long holiday weekends, to ensure the job is done on time.  In addition to her payroll duties, Kelly maintains the ADP time management system on a daily basis to ensure that Dover Police employees have up-to-date and accurate information.  Kelly has an excellent relationship with all of her co-workers and never hesitates to assist anyone.  Kelly has also taken the initiative to train new officers and newly promoted supervisors on the ADP time management system and how to keep track of their time cards and time requests.  Kelly is also responsible for maintaining DELJIS officer schedules for court scheduling purposes and is often asked to run reports on short notice for different areas of the department.  Due to her dedication and accurate record keeping, Kelly accomplishes those tasks easily.

Kelly Morgan will officially be recognized at the Spring Promotion and Awards Ceremony (Date TBD)

Complaint # 50-16-4646/4643

Date/Time:  Friday, February 12th, 2016 at 12:40PM

Location:  Super Lodge Hotel, 246 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department arrested three people on multiple drug charges following an investigation on Friday afternoon.  During the investigation, it was learned that Willie Hale (44), was selling crack cocaine from room 132.  While conducting surveillance, officers observed Heather Lediger (39) enter Room 132 and leave quickly.

Officers then conducted a traffic stop which resulted in the search of her vehicle.  During the search, officers discovered over 450 prescription pills, .6 grams of crack cocaine, and $696.00 in cash.  Lediger was taken into custody without incident and charged with the following offenses:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Prescription Medication (5 counts)
-Possession of Prescription Medication without a Prescription (2 counts)
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Lediger was released on $92,000 Unsecured Bond.

Following the traffic stop, officers obtained and executed a search warrant in room 132 at the Super Lodge.  Willie Hale and Allysa Tosson (31) were both inside the room and taken into custody without incident.  A search of the room led to the discovery of 2.9grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale, packaging material, and $1,183.00 in cash that was suspected drug proceeds.

Hale was charged with the following offenses:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine
-Delivery of Cocaine
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Conspiracy 2nd
Hale was released on $18,000 Unsecured Bond

Tosson was charged with the following offenses:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Conspiracy 2nd
Tosson was released on $15,000 Unsecured Bond