Month: October 2017

Incident/Complaint#:  50-17-35785

Date/Time:   Monday, October 30th, 2017 at 3:16PM

Location:  400 Block of Charring Cross Driver, Dover, DE (Village of Westover)

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has arrested 27-year-old Trenton Holmes Jr. on drug charges following an investigation into illegal drug sales at his residence in the 400 Block of Charring Cross Drive.  The Village of Westover resident was arrested without incident and a search of his residence led to the discovery of 702 bags of heroin.  Holmes was committed to JTVCC in default of $25,000 secured bond and a Violation of Probation.

Charges:
-Possession of Heroin 
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
-Drug Paraphernalia

Incident/Complaint#:  50-17-34882

Date/Time:   Friday, October 27th, 2017 at 1:20AM

Location:  Allure Night Club, 865 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred following a minor vehicle accident in the parking lot of Allure Night Club, located at 865 N. DuPont Highway.  A 23-year-old male victim and an unknown female were involved in a minor collision in the parking lot of the club at approximately 1:20AM.  As the drivers were exchanging insurance information, two unknown black males approached the victim on the passenger side of his vehicle.  The suspects observed a handgun on the front passenger seat (legally owned by the victim).  One of the suspects punched the victim in the face and the other stole the handgun from the vehicle.  Both suspects fled in an SUV.

The first suspect is described as a black male, 6’0″-6’2″, 230-240 pounds, short hair, and gold teeth.  The second suspect is described as a black male, 5’6″-5’7″, skinny, with dread locks.

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.

UPDATE:
Jahmair Melville (18) has been arrested and charged in the armed robbery of Dollar Tree on Monday night.  Melville was identified through leads developed during the investigation, and was arrested without incident on Wednesday, October 25th.  Melville was committed to JTVCC in default of $47,500 secured bond on the following charges:
-Robbery 1st Degree
-Possession of Deadly Weapon During Commission of Felony
-Assault 2nd Degree
-Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony

Incident/Complaint#:  50-17-34882

Date/Time:   Monday, October 23rd, 2017 at 9:04PM

Location:  Dollar Tree, 261 North DuPont Highway, Suite 2, 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 Monday night.  At approximately, 8:57PM, an unknown black male suspect entered Dollar Tree at 261 N. DuPont Highway.  The suspect was wearing a black hat, sunglasses, black jacket, red plaid shirt, dark pants, and black/brown boots.  A 64-year-old female employee advised the suspect that the store was closing in a couple of minutes.  Two other unknown black males entered the store and had a brief conversation with the suspect, then left.  It is unknown if those men are affiliated with the incident.  At 9:04PM, the female employee approached the suspect in  one of the aisles and tells him the store is now closed.  The suspect pulls a knife and walks toward the victim as she approached the cash registers.  The suspect demanded money, but the victim refused.  The suspect then grabbed the victim by her shirt, causing her to fall to the ground and making her cell phone fall out of her pocket.  The suspect then picked up the cell phone and demanded that another employee let him out of the business.  The suspect then fled in an unknown direction on foot.  The victim had minor abrasions around the neck area from the suspect grabbing her shirt, but refuse treatment.

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.

With the upcoming Halloween events around the City of Dover, the Dover Police Department would like to remind parents, children, and motorists to remain alert and keep safety a top priority during this Halloween season.  While we will have extra officers on the streets and in our neighborhoods on Halloween Night, it is important to take note of the safety tips we have provided below.

Trick or Treat Date/Times:

• Tuesday, October 31st 6:00PM-8:00PM (City of Dover)
• Participating homes should have their front lights on
• Households that are not participating should turn off their front lights

Alternative Trick Or Treat Event:

The Dover Police Department will be holding their 2nd Annual Trick or Treat event on Friday, October 27th from 5:30PM-8:00PM at Legislative Mall.  There will be several law enforcement, fire, and other emergency agencies handing out candy, as well as numerous businesses and organizations with candy and other giveaways.  This event is free for all who attend.  Due to limited supplies it is requested that Trick or Treating be reserved for children 13 and younger.  

For more information, visit: DOVER POLICE TRICK-OR-TREAT

Motorist Safety Tips:

• Motorists are asked to drive with an abundance of caution and travel at a reduced speed in residential areas.
• Many children and adults will be walking through residential areas and depending on the availability of sidewalks, may be near or on the roadway.
• Be aware of children inadvertently darting across the street in the path of vehicles.

Trick or Treating Safety Tips:

• Children should NEVER go Trick or Treating alone.  They should be with a parent/guardian, or a group of friends at all times.
• Stay off of main roadways.
• Costumes should fit properly, with no loose/hanging items.
• Consider face paint instead of masks as they can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Trick or Treaters should carry a flashlight at all times.
• Utilize glow sticks and/or reflective tape/material attached to costumes and bags for added visibility.
• Before crossing the street, always look in both directions twice to make sure no vehicles are coming.
• Inspect all candy to ensure it is not tampered with, prior to consuming it.

Sex Offender Ordinance for Halloween Festivities:

The Dover Police Department Sex Offender Enforcement Unit would like to remind all offenders living within the City of Dover of the ordinance in regards to Halloween/Holiday festivities.  The Dover Police Department will have extra officers on duty to ensure that offenders comply with the new ordinance, and be on the lookout for suspicious/unsafe activity. If there are any questions or concerns, or you would like to report a non-compliant offender, please notify the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111.

DOVER CITY ORDINANCE:

70-7  Registered Sex Offenders

e)  Prohibited activities for sexual offenders.

(1)  It is unlawful for any sexual offender to participate in a holiday event or practice involving children under 18 years of age, such as distributing candy or other items to children on Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, or any other holiday or event. Participation is to be defined as attendance at, or taking part of, or cooperation with an event.

(2)  It is unlawful for any sexual offender to wear costumes for the primary purpose of entertaining, attracting, or encouraging interaction with children. 

(3)Any person designated a sexual offender shall be required on October thirty-first of each year or any other day upon which Halloween is celebrated to: 

a.  Avoid all Halloween related contact with children;

b.  Post a sign at his/her residence stating, “No candy or treats at this residence.” Such signs shall be in letters at least two inches high and shall be legible from the street or road adjacent to the residence; 

c.  Except for lighting provided on a year round basis by a sexual offender or the owner or manager of a multi-family residential unit for the purpose of security or walkway or hallway illumination, all outside residential lighting shall be off during the evening hours after 5:00 p.m., and no exterior holiday decorations shall be exhibited on the sexual offender’s residence or on the property upon which the residence is located. 

(4)  Holiday events or practices in which the sexual offender is the parent or guardian of the child or children involved, and where no non-familial children are present, are exempt from this section.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-17-34882

Date/Time:   Monday, October 23rd, 2017 at 9:04PM

Location:  Dollar Tree, 261 North DuPont Highway, Suite 2, 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 Monday night.  At approximately, 8:57PM, an unknown black male suspect entered Dollar Tree at 261 N. DuPont Highway.  The suspect was wearing a black hat, sunglasses, black jacket, red plaid shirt, dark pants, and black/brown boots.  A 64-year-old female employee advised the suspect that the store was closing in a couple of minutes.  Two other unknown black males entered the store and had a brief conversation with the suspect, then left.  It is unknown if those men are affiliated with the incident.  At 9:04PM, the female employee approached the suspect in  one of the aisles and tells him the store is now closed.  The suspect pulls a knife and walks toward the victim as she approached the cash registers.  The suspect demanded money, but the victim refused.  The suspect then grabbed the victim by her shirt, causing her to fall to the ground and making her cell phone fall out of her pocket.  The suspect then picked up the cell phone and demanded that another employee let him out of the business.  The suspect then fled in an unknown direction on foot.  The victim had minor abrasions around the neck area from the suspect grabbing her shirt, but refuse treatment.

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.

On October 27th, from 5:30PM-8:00PM, streets surrounding Legislative Mall will be filled with police cars, fire trucks, emergency equipment, local businesses, and organizations as costumed children Trick-or-Treat at each display.  Families will have a chance to meet their local police and fire personnel and  get to know more about local businesses and organizations and what they offer to the community, all while Trick-or-Treating.

The Dover Police Department has partnered with the Downtown Dover Partnership to provide even more activities for children and families to enjoy the night.  At 5pm, children can register for the Halloween Parade and Contest put on by the Downtown Dover Partnership at Loockerman Way Plaza (126. West Loockerman Street).  The walking parade will depart shortly before 6:00PM and proceed east on Loockerman Street and make a right onto Federal Street where it will end at the Dover Police Trick or Treat event.   Entertainment will be provided by DJ Chino with dance performances by En Pointe Studio.  For parade information call 302-678-2940.

There is no cost for any of the events or activities for attendees. While there is no age limit to attend, we kindly request that only children 13 and under Trick-or-Treat.  Costumes are NOT required unless you wish to be part of the parade and costume judging for prizes.

TRAFFIC ALERT
The roadways surrounding Legislative Mall will be closed to traffic and parking beginning at 4:00 p.m. to ensure the safest conditions for attendees and allow them to freely explore all the historic area has to offer. 

Streets that will be closed include:
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (North and South) from Legislative Avenue to Federal Street and Legislative Avenue and Federal Street from Loockerman Street to Water Street.

The red lines on the map show which streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 4:00 p.m.  The green lines show the routes surrounding Legislative Mall that will be available for travel during the event.

PARKING:
Suggested parking lots are highlighted in orange on the map below.  Limited street parking is highlighted in purple.