Day: August 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.

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