Day: July 7, 2019

UPDATE:

The Dover Police Department continues to investigate the fatal hit and run accident that occurred on Friday, July 5th, 2019 in the area of Forrest Avenue (Route 8) and Independence Boulevard.  Investigators continue to look for clues and additional video but are releasing the below image and video that shows the dark colored suspect vehicle fleeing eastbound after the crash.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111 and ask for Officer Nicolosi. Callers may remain anonymous.  Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com; a cash reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to an arrest.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-19-21175

Date/Time:  Friday, July 5th, 2019 at 8:48PM

Location: Forrest Avenue, just west of Independence Blvd., Dover, DE

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

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on Friday, July 5th and is also seeking a second driver involved in the incident.  At approximately 8:48PM, Brandon Pleines (21, Dover), was operating a Toyota Rav-4, eastbound on Route 8/Forrest Avenue, approaching Independence Blvd.  According to witnesses, an unknown large dark blue or black sedan was in the left lane, to the side of Pleines vehicle when it merged into the right lane,  striking the driver side of Pleines vehicle.  The initial collision caused the Pleines’ Rav-4 to swerve to the right, striking a curb which then caused the vehicle to roll over several times, striking a light pole and a mailbox.  The second driver (described as being a black male) then turned off the headlights to his vehicle and fled the area in an eastbound direction.

As a result of the incident, Brandon Pleines succumbed to his injuries.  Pleines’ passenger also suffered non life threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111 and ask for Officer Nicolosi. Callers may remain anonymous.  Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com; a cash reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to an arrest.

UPDATE:
The Dover Police Department is announcing the arrest of two suspects involved in the shooting of two people in the Manchester Square community on May 23rd, 2019.

During the investigation into this incident, detectives identified Brandon Scott (17) and Johnny Bottomley (21) as suspects in the case.

On June 13th, 2019, Scott was taken into custody at his residence in the 400 Block of Ann Avenue by the US Marshall’s First State Fugitive Task Force and was committed to Stevenson House on $97,000 cash bond.

On July 3rd, 2019, Bottomley was arrested by the Smyrna Police Department and committed to SCI on a $29,000 cash bond.

Both subjects were charged with the following offenses:
-Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony
-Illegal Gang Participation
-Assault 2nd Degree (2x)
-Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree

Incident/Complaint#:  50-19-15609

Date/Time: Thursday, May 23rd, 2019 at 10:31PM

Location: Unit Block of Stevenson Drive, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: 

Dover Police are investigating a shooting that left a man and woman injured on Thursday night.  At approximately 10:31PM, the male and female victim were outside a residence in the Unit Block of Stevenson Drive in the Manchester Square neighborhood, when two unknown black male suspects approached and fired multiple shots at them.  Both the male and female victim were struck once in the the lower extremities and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.  The suspects were described as black males, with one wearing all black, and the other wearing a black and white jacket.

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 may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delawarecrimestoppers.com; a cash reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to an arrest.