Day: July 6, 2020

Incident Number: 50-20-16583

Date/Time:  Friday, July 3rd, 2020 at 4:52PM

Location:  DOT Discount, 321 Independence Blvd., Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   Sergeant Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department arrested 41-year-old William Smiley after a robbery at the DOT Discount Store on Independence Boulevard on Friday afternoon.  Officers responded to the area at 4:52PM for a report of an armed robbery.  It was learned that Smiley entered the business and asked the clerk for two packs of “Marlboro Menthol 100” cigarettes.  When the clerk began to scan the items, Smiley pulled a black  gun out, placed it on the counter, and demanded cash.  The clerk complied and Smiley fled with the cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of cash.  After talking with the clerk and reviewing video, officers were able to obtain a detailed description of the suspect.  A short time later, officers located Smiley in the area of Fieldstone Court.  Smiley was in possession or wearing the clothing that was observed on video.  Smiley was also in possession of the “Marlboro Menthol 100” cigarettes, a black BB Gun (Beretta replica), and an undisclosed amount of cash that was taken from the register of DOT Discount.

Smiley was committed to SCI on a $11,000 secured bond on the following charges:
-Robbery 1st Degree
-Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony

Incident Number: 50-20-16773

Date/Time:  Monday, July 6th, 2020 at 12:30AM

Location:  400 Block of East Water Street, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   Sergeant Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Monday morning in the 400 Block of East Water Street.  At approximately 12:30AM, officers responded to the area for a report of shots fired.  Upon arrival, officers located two homes on East Water Street that had been struck by gunfire.  Both homes were occupied at the time, but no injuries were reported.   

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 is possible for information leading to an arrest.

Incident Number: 50-20-16778

Date/Time:  Monday, July 6th, 2020 at 2:48AM

Location:  100 Block of S. New Street, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   Sergeant Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 32-year-old man that occurred on Monday morning.  At approximately 2:48AM, officers responded to a vacant lot in the 100 Block of S. New Street for a report of shots fired.  Arriving officers located Thomas Gilbert, who was struck multiple times by gunfire.  Gilbert was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries.  Gilbert is from the Dover area.  

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.

How to Succeed in the Hiring Process Seminar August 1st and 29th, 2020

The Dover Police Department will hold two “How to Succeed in the Hiring Process” seminars on Saturday, August 1st, 2020 and August 29th, 2020 in the Public Assembly Room of the Dover Police Department.  The Dover Police Department is located at 400 S. Queen Street, Dover, DE 19904.  The seminar is open to anyone interested in a career with the Dover Police Department as a police officer and will include information about the hiring process, application assistance, specialized units of the agency, and a tour of the police department.  You do not have to submit an application prior to attending.  Doors will open at 8:30AM and close promptly at 9:00AM with no late admittance permitted.  The seminars typically end by 11:00AM.

Class size may be limited based on social distancing restrictions at the time.  

Please email Master Corporal Rich at caleb.rich@cj.state.de.us or call 302-736-4461 with any questions.