Day: August 24, 2018

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

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

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).