In the updated story announcing the arrest of Rodney West as the suspect in the Towne Point Elementary School shooting death of Derrick Combs, Combs was incorrectly listed as an employee of the school. Rodney West, the suspect in custody, was an employee of the school. The original release has been corrected.
Month: August 2018
Arrest Made in Shooting Death on Towne Point Elementary School Property 8-30-2018
Update:
The Dover Police Department is announcing the arrest of Rodney West (53) in connection with the shooting death of Derrick Combs that occurred on Tuesday night on the property of Towne Point Elementary School. West was an employee with the Capital School District. West was arrested by the US Marshal’s in Montgomery County, Maryland and is currently being held pending extradition to Delaware.
West is currently being held on the following charges:
-Murder 1st Degree
-Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony
-Possession of Firearm Safe School Zone
The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.
Incident/Complaint#: 50-18-29100
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 at 9:58PM
Location: Towne Point Elementary School, 629 Buckson Drive, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 39-year-old man on Tuesday night. At approximately 9:58PM on August 28th, officers responded to Towne Point Elementary School for a report of shots fired with a subject lying on the ground. Upon arrival officers located Derrick Combs who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was deceased.
During the preliminary investigation, detectives have learned enough information to believe this was not a random act and there is no threat to Towne Point Elementary and have identified a person of interest. There were no students at the school at the time of the incident.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Capital School District has closed Towne Point Elementary on August 28th, 2018. For questions pertaining to Capital School District, please contact Candace McCarthy (Public Relations) at 302-672-1500
Dr. Dan Shelton, Superintendent of Capital School District, released the following statement: “… Dover Police Department works very closely with the Capital School District in incidents involving our schools. We have no reason to believe that there is currently any potential threat against any of our students or staff. This is an ongoing investigation by the Dover Police Department.
In the spirit of utmost caution, Towne Point Elementary will remain closed today, Wednesday, August 29th.
As you know, the Capital School District takes student and staff safety very seriously and are saddened by the unfortunate events that may take place in our neighborhoods. We also strive to keep our families informed of events in and around our schools. We anticipate when Towne Point re-opens tomorrow, an additional Dover Police presence.”
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
Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Walker Road 8-29-2018
Incident/Complaint#: 50-18-29028
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 at 10:52AM
Location: Walker Road, East of Butner Place, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred on Tuesday morning. At approximately 10:52AM, Rae Short (63), stepped onto Walker Road on the south side of the roadway, trying to cross to the north side. A Buick LeSabre was traveling eastbound on Walker Road at the same time and struck Short with the passenger side mirror, causing Short to fall to the ground. When emergency personnel arrived on scene, Short was alert but complaining of head pain and an abrasion to her knee. Short was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where it was learned she suffered a broken neck and later succumbed to her injuries.
Charges are not being sought against the driver of the Buick LeSabre.
Dover Police Investigating Fatal Shooting After Hours at Towne Point Elementary 8-29-18
Incident/Complaint#: 50-18-29100
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 at 9:58PM
Location: Towne Point Elementary School, 629 Buckson Drive, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 39-year-old man on Tuesday night. At approximately 9:58PM on August 28th, officers responded to Towne Point Elementary School for a report of shots fired with a subject lying on the ground. Upon arrival officers located Derrick Combs who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was deceased.
During the preliminary investigation, detectives have learned enough information to believe this was not a random act and there is no threat to Towne Point Elementary and have identified a person of interest. There were no students at the school at the time of the incident.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Capital School District has closed Towne Point Elementary on August 28th, 2018. For questions pertaining to Capital School District, please contact Candace McCarthy (Public Relations) at 302-672-1500
Dr. Dan Shelton, Superintendent of Capital School District, released the following statement: “… Dover Police Department works very closely with the Capital School District in incidents involving our schools. We have no reason to believe that there is currently any potential threat against any of our students or staff. This is an ongoing investigation by the Dover Police Department.
In the spirit of utmost caution, Towne Point Elementary will remain closed today, Wednesday, August 29th.
As you know, the Capital School District takes student and staff safety very seriously and are saddened by the unfortunate events that may take place in our neighborhoods. We also strive to keep our families informed of events in and around our schools. We anticipate when Towne Point re-opens tomorrow, an additional Dover Police presence.”
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
Dover Police Announce Third Annual Trick-or Treat Event 8-27-2018
The Dover Police Department and Downtown Dover Partnership is excited to announce its Third Annual Trick-or-Treat event that has drawn over 11,000 visitors in its first two years. The event will be held on its traditional date of the Friday before Halloween. This year the event falls on October 26th, 2018 and will be held from 6pm-8pm.
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, explore the vehicles and equipment they use, get to know more about local businesses and organizations and what they offer to the community, all while Trick-or-Treating.
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. Attendees are asked to bring their own Trick-or-Treat bags.
The roadways surrounding Legislative Mall will be closed to traffic and parking beginning at 4pm 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 between North and South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Details for parking will be released closer to the event date.
The Dover Police Department is also inviting local businesses and organization to participate in this event at no cost. For more information about business participation, please contact 302-736-7130 or visit doverpolice.org/halloween.
For more information or questions about the event, please contact M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman at mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us or call 302-736-7130.
Timothy Safford (Liberty Court Murder Suspect) Extradited and Formally Charged 8-24-18
The Dover Police Department took custody of Timothy Safford on Friday, August 24th, 2018. Safford was formally charged with 1st Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony, Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (2x) and was committed to JTVCC in default of $1,070,000 cash bond.
ARREST MADE:
The Dover Police Department is announcing the arrest of Timothy Safford, wanted for a murder that occurred on Friday, June 22nd, 2018. Members of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force took Safford into custody in the 300 Block of Van Buren Street NW, Washington D.C. He was arrested without incident. Safford is currently being held pending his extradition to Delaware.
UPDATE:
The Dover Police Department has identified Timothy Safford (42) as the suspect in the shooting death of Sylvester Lee at Liberty Court Apartments on Friday, June 22nd. During the investigation, detectives learned that Safford and Lee were involved in a verbal argument prior to the shooting. While both men walked towards the victim’s vehicle, Safford shot Lee, ultimately causing his death.
Safford is wanted for 1st Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony, Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (2x).
Safford should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with knowledge of Safford’s whereabouts should call 911 or their local police department immediately. Safford’s last known address is in Dover, DE but is no longer accurate.
Incident/Complaint#: 50-18-20694
Date/Time: Friday, June 22nd, 2018 at 9:41PM
Location: Liberty Court Apts, 1289 Walker Road, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 41-year-old man that occurred on Friday night. At approximately 9:41PM, officers from the Dover Police Department responded to Liberty Court Apartments for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Sylvester Lee (Clayton, DE), lying on the ground after being struck multiple times by gunfire in the torso. Lee was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:15PM.
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
Burglary at Dover Church 8-24-18
Incident/Complaint#: 50-18-28549
Date/Time: Friday, August 24th, 2018 at approximately 4:00AM
Location: Dover Presbyterian Church, 54 S. State Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at Dover Presbyterian Church on Friday morning. At approximately 4:00AM, a male suspect entered the church through an unsecured window. Once inside, he damaged several office doors and shattered glass windows. Several offices were rummaged through but it was unknown what may have been taken at the time. Surveillance footage shows a heavy-set black male wearing a cream-colored shirt, blue pants, and red sneakers as the suspect.
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
Lowe’s Partners with Dover Police for Community Project 8-24-2018
The Dover Police Department and Lowe’s of Camden and Dover, DE is excited to announce a joint community service project at the Elizabeth W. Murphey School. From August 27th-30th, representatives from the Lowe’s Hero Team, the Dover Police Department’s Police Athletic League, and officers from the Delaware Department of Correction will work together to complete several projects to improve the outdoor recreation area of the Elizabeth W. Murphey School.
These projects include:
-Clearing the baseball/kickball field of grass and weeds and adding a Diamond-Tech mixture to the infield and re-grading the outfield to level the ground
-Clear grass and weeds from the volleyball and horse-shoe pit areas and adding new sand to each as well as building new backstops for the horse-shoe pits.
-Replacing rotting wood trim with vinyl weatherproof trim in the pavilion
-Cleaning and repainting basketball courts (Budget and time permitting)
The goal of the project is to provide Murphey School residents a reason to get outside and enjoy the space and participate in more outdoor activities. The area will also provide a safe and inviting location for the Dover Police Department’s Police Athletic League to continue its Summer Youth Academy and other recreational activities and events with area youth.
“For the past 10 years, Lowe’s has embraced employee involvement within the community through the Lowe’s Heroes program. In that 10 years, Lowe’s has participated in more than 1,300 projects nationwide, and contributed more than $1.3 million in materials.
Lowe’s is not just a store in the community, Lowe’s is part of the community.” said assistant store manager Stephen Freeman of the Camden, Delaware Lowe’s. “This project at the Murphey School will give students a reason to get outside and enjoy the space. It will also provide a safe and inviting location for the Dover Police Department’s Police Athletic League to continue its Summer Youth Academy. We believe by working together with the community, we can build something bigger. Transforming lives one community at a time has been the mission of Lowe’s Heroes since the volunteer program began in our stores more than a decade ago.” said Freeman
The work is scheduled to begin on August 27th (weather permitting). The project will wrap-up with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 30th at 3:00PM. (ceremony time subject to change).