Month: August 2016

Incident/Complaint#:  50-16-26856

Date/Time:   Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 2:25PM

Location:  Ridgely Street, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department arrested Riley Braswell (18) after attempting to rob two 22-year-old men on Wednesday afternoon.  At approximately 2:25PM, two males were walking on Ridgely Street, when approached by Riley Braswell.  Braswell displayed a handgun and demanded the victims turn over property.  The victims fought off Braswell, who then fired multiple times at the victims.  One of the victims was legally open-carrying a firearm and fired back at Braswell.  No one was injured during the exchange and Braswell was arrested without incident a short time later by police.  Braswell was committed to JTVCC in default of $180,000 secured bond on the following charges:

-1st Degree Robbery (2x)
-Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (2x)
-Possession of Deadly Weapon During Commission of Felony
-Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited

Incident/Complaint#:  50-16-26625

Date/Time:  Monday, August 8th, 2016 at 1:56PM

Location:   Webbs Lane and S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE (Traffic Stop)

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Street Crimes Unit and Delaware Probation and Parole arrested two people following a traffic stop on Monday afternoon.  The traffic stop was the result of a drug investigation.  Isaac Jones (32) and Chelsea Curtis (29) were found to be in possession of more than 500 bags of heroin (7.36 grams), 3.9 grams of crack cocaine, and $759 in drug proceeds.

As a result of the incident Isaac Jones was committed to JTVCC in default $56,000 secured bond on the following charges:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Possession of a Tier 5 Qty Heroin
-Delivery of Heroin
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine
-Violation of Probation

Chelsea Curtis was committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Center in default of $46,000 on the following charges:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Possession of a Tier 5 Qty Heroin
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine

The Dover Police Department is the proud recipient of the State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant.  M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman from the Public Affairs Office, applied for the grant in 2015 with the goal of using the funds to produce videos and other internet based content to improve communications with Dover citizens, with the agreement to produce teen driving PSA’s as well.  “We are honored to receive this generous gift from State Farm.  It truly shows their committment to supporting law enforcements’ efforts in the community but also their care and compassion for those we serve as well” said Chief Paul M. Bernat, who was on hand to receive the check from local State Farm Agents.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among teens in the U.S and two-thirds of teen passenger deaths occur when other teenagers are driving,” said State Farm Community Specialist, Erin Bailey.  “We each play an important role in keeping our kids safer behind the wheel. This program and PSA remind each of us that when it comes to teen driver safety,  we still have miles to go.”

The Dover Police Department will utilize the funds to purchase updated camera equipment and software to produce high-quality content and hopes to have the first teen driving PSA online by the end of 2016.

About State Farm®:

The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto, home and individual life insurance in the United States. Its 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve more than 83 million policies and accounts – nearly 81 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 35 on the 2016 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-16-26380

Date/Time:  Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 1:20AM

Location:   100 Block of Holmes Street, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating an early morning shooting that occurred on Saturday, August 6th. The incident occurred at 1:20AM, when a large party was taking place in the 100 Block of Holmes Street.  A large fight broke out at that party and an unknown suspect began firing multiple shots.  A 25-year-old male was struck in the thigh and treated at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. It appears the victim was not an intended target, but was attending the party.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. 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

Larry Pierce (33) was indicted on first-degree murder in connection with a 2009 homicide case in Dover.  On April 18, 2009, Josue Barclay (23), was found lying in front of 17 South Governors Avenue.  Barclay died as a result of a gunshot wound to the back of his head sometime between 6:00AM and 7:30AM on the morning of April 18, 2009.

On April 26, 2009, officers from the Dover Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 Block of North DuPont Highway.  Pierce was arrested on that stop after two handguns were thrown and Pierce, along with two other men, fled on foot from police.

Through further investigation, it was learned that the shell casing from the shooting matched a handgun recovered during the April 26th, 2009 incident.

Further investigation by Dover Police over the course of seven years led to further evidence that was able to secure the indictment for 1st Degree Murder.  Pierce, who is currently being held in Federal Prison on unrelated charges, will face extradition to Delaware in the future.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-16-26071

Date/Time:  Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016 at 3:50PM

Location:   100 Block of Madison Court, Dover, DE 19904

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department along with Delaware Probation and Parole concluded a drug investigation with the execution of a search warrant on Wednesday afternoon.  Officers searched a house in the 100 Block of Madison Court at 3:50PM on Wednesday which led to the discovery of the following items:
-615.1 grams of marijuana
-3.8 grams of cocaine
-Bersa .380 Handgun
-US Importer Walther Fort Smith .22 Caliber Rifle
-12 gauge Mossberg 500 Shotgun

Donovan Maldonado was taken into custody without incident.  There were six children in the home at the time of the incident.  Maldonado was committed to JTVCC in default of $25,000 cash bond on the following charges:
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (3x)
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
-Aggravated Possession of Marijuana
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine
-Endangering the Welfare of a Child (6x)

The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is a program that meets once a week on Monday evenings from 6:00p.m-9:00pm from September 12th-November 7th, 2016.  This program is designed to provide members of the Dover community with additional knowledge about their police department. It allows citizens of Dover to become more educated on Dover Police Department procedure and the pressures associated within law enforcement. We seek and invite a diverse group of people that either live in or work in the City of Dover to apply. There is no cost to attend the Citizen Police Academy.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1st

The purpose of the Citizen Police Academy is to accomplish three goals:

1. To educate community members in Dover Police Department procedures and the pressures associated within law enforcement
2. To allow the citizens of Dover to meet the men and women who serve them
3. To provide Dover Police Department officers the opportunity to meet and hear from the citizens they serve.

Citizen Police Academy members are given a realistic view of the Department.
Topics presented include:

The academy meets once a week at the Dover Police Department.

Presentations consist of lectures, demonstrations, videos, computer presentations, and “hands on” participation. Each participant is given the opportunity to ride with an officer for one shift.

How to Obtain an Application

You may obtain an application for the Citizen Police Academy at the Dover Police Department or you can download it online here:

DOWNLOAD CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY APPLICATION

Media representatives are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Contact

For further information contact:

Cpl. Caleb Rich
Planning and Training Unit
Dover Police Department
400 S. Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
(302)-736-4461
Caleb.Rich@cj.state.de.us