The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for James Trotter. He has been located and is safe.
**Original Post**
Incident/Complaint#: 50-24-11198
Date: Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Unit Block of South Bradford Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for James Trotter, 40, of Dover, DE. Trotter suffers from a condition that may pose a risk to his health and safety if not properly monitored and treated. Trotter is described as a black male, 5’10”, 147 pounds, black hair and brown eyes. Trotter was last seen in the unit block of South Bradford Street. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time.
If you have any information on Trotter’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Dover Police Department is cancelling the Gold Alert for Karen Brown. Brown has been located and is safe.
**Original Post**
Incident/Complaint#: 50-24-26564
Date: Thursday, July 11th, 2024
Location: Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 South State Street, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Karen Brown, 63, of Harbeson, DE. Brown was last seen leaving Bayhealth Kent Campus on July 11th, 2024 and has not been seen or heard from since. Attempts to contact or locate her have been unsuccessful, and there is a concern for her safety and well-being. Brown is described as a black female, 5’6″, 150 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. It is unknown what she was wearing at the time she was last seen.
If you have any information on Brown’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 at 7:04 p.m.
Location: Parking Lot in the 500 Block of North DuPont Highway
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Khiheim Hanzer, 29, of Lincoln, following an incident Wednesday evening. The investigation began at 7:04 p.m. when members of the Dover Police Department’s Street Crime Unit contacted Hanzer in a parking lot in the 500 Block of North DuPont Highway. Hanzer had an outstanding Capias for his arrest and officers took him into custody without incident. Officers searched Hanzer and located over $700 in suspected drug proceeds, 22 bags of heroin, 3.2 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded Glock 42 handgun.
Hanzer was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.
Hanzer was committed to SCI on $116,400 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (3x) -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon -Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance -Possession of a Controlled Substance (2x)
On August 27, 2024, at approximately 3:36 PM, the Dover Police Department received a call from an individual in Albania, reporting that their brother’s boat was sinking in the English Channel off the coast of Dover, England. The caller had conducted an internet search for the “Dover Police Department” and the first search result on the screen proved to be the Dover, Delaware Police Department. The family member thought they were calling Dover, England but was connected with our agency here in the United States.
Recognizing the risks associated with trying to refer the frantic emergency caller, Communications Operator MacKenzie Atkinson kept them on the line and began collecting critical information. The caller provided the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of this vessel and C/O Atkinson used the skills obtained from her training through Priority Dispatch and her newly acquired certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatchand followed the protocols for a vessel in distress. While C/O Atkinson kept working with the caller on the phone, C/O Connor Logan began making international notifications in an effort to rescue this sinking vessel. Within just four minutes, he established contact with the following domestic and international agencies:
-The Kent County 911/Division of Emergency Communications -Delaware River and Bay Authority Section of the U.S. Coast Guard -U.S. Coast Guard District 5 -The French Coast Guard -His Majesty’s Coast Guard of England -Dover, England Police Stations Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Coordination Center
Just 15 minutes and 48 seconds after the initial call, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed they were on their way to rescue the vessel. While all of this was going on, the remaining two dispatchers, C/O Patricia Mazzola and C/O Briana Dozier ensured that all local calls were handled and the citizens of Dover still received emergency services without any delays. On September 5th, 2024, while conducting a follow-up on the incident, we received confirmation that the vessel and all persons on board were safely returned to the Port of Dover, England as part of this rescue effort. As a result, Emergency Communications Manager Matthew Carey has nominated the group for a Dover PD Distinguished Unit Commendation.
Message from Chief Johnson
“When folks hear me say that ‘I work with great people’, they usually infer that I’m talking about sworn police officers. But let me just set the record straight that I mean everybody when I say that. The Dover Police Department has extraordinary civilian contributors to our public safety mission. Our Communications Operators are great examples of that and never get enough credit for being first responders. In this case, their ability to coordinate an international rescue effort while maintaining the safety of our local community is a testament to their exceptional skill and commitment. I will, of course, be approving the commendation submitted by the ECM and have informed Mayor Christiansen of this extraordinary success.”
The following images contain the newest Megan’s Law Sex Offender Notifications for the City of Dover. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Dover Police Sex Offender Enforcement Unit.
Location: Dover Behavioral Health,720 Horsepond Road, Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative: The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Donald Sheldon,63, of Bridgeville. Sheldon was last seen leaving Dover Behavioral Health on August 27th and has not been seen or heard from since. Attempts to contact or locate him have been unsuccessful, and there is a concern for his safety and well-being. Sheldon is described as a white male, 6’2″, 295 pounds. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time. If you have any information on Sheldon’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
Date/Time: Monday, September 2nd, 2024 at 4:08 p.m.
Location: Kesselring Ave and Haman Drive, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred Monday afternoon. The investigation began at 4:08 p.m., when Dover Police received the report of a robbery that had occurred in the area of Kesselring Ave and Haman Drive. Officers responded and contacted the victim. The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim was approached by three black males who demanded money. The victim did not comply, and one of the suspects hit the victim, then stole property from him. The suspects then ran away from the area.
There are no additional leads at this time.
This 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 www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
The Dover Police Department is offering the following information to better prepare the citizens we serve for Back to School week.
Police in Schools: The Dover Police Department has a full-time officer dedicated to the Dover High School, Dover Middle Schools of Excellence and Innovation, William Henry Middle School, Kent County Secondary ILC, and one SRO assigned to charter/private schools in the City of Dover. These officers are otherwise known as SRO’s or School Resource Officers. We encourage parents to tell their children to communicate concerns with those officers as needed. In addition to our five full-time youth officers, the department will increase their presence at schools across the city during the first days of school to ensure a smooth and safe process for all children and school faculty. There will also be increased presence by the Special Enforcement Unit Motorcycle Division in area school zones, cross walks, and bus routes to crack down on vehicle violations. People who speed in school zones, disobey crossing guards, or pass school buses will be cited accordingly.
H.A.W.K. Traffic Signal at Dover High School The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot) installed the new High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK system at the Dover High School main entrance/exit prior to the 2014-2015 school year. This system is designed to maximize the flow of traffic in what is expected to be a congested area before and after school. A video showing how the light works can be viewed below.
Tips for Motorists The Dover Police Department will utilize special enforcement units to increase presence in school zones and on bus routes throughout the city to target speed violations, passing of school buses, and other driving violations that threaten the safety of school children. The beginning of school is also a time when children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, and motor vehicle crashes because there are many more children on the road each morning and afternoon and many drivers’ patterns change. Shorter daylight hours make it especially difficult to see young pedestrians and bicyclists. So as schools open their doors, it’s time for everyone – motorists, parents, educators, and students – to improve their traffic safety practices. The following tips can help make this a safe and happy school year for the whole community. School Bus Safety:
It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus while its lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.
On undivided roadways, with no physical barrier or median, vehicles must stop on both sides of the roadway.
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. Motorists approaching from either direction must wait until the red lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Learn and obey the “alternately flashing warning light” system that school bus drivers use to alert motorists.
School Zone/Bus Stop Safety:
When a school bus or children are present slow down and proceed with caution, obeying all traffic laws and speed limits.
Obey School Zone speed limits & watch for flashing yellow lights, crossing guards, etc.
Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.
Walk/Bike to School:
Practice taking the route your child will walk before school.
Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
Use appropriate hand signals.
Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.
Know the “rules of the road.”
Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
Identify other children in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider organizing a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.
Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.
Back to School Traffic Safety Tips are from the National Safety Council:
If You’re Dropping Off
Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. The following apply to all school zones:
Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles
Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school
Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school
Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians
According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they’re walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:
Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way
Sharing the Road with School Buses
If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children
If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist
When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass
If you’re turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals
Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this
Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods
Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars
Check side mirrors before opening your door
By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.
Bullying:
Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the Internet, or through mobile devices like cell phones. The Dover Police Department has full-time officers dedicated to the Central Middle School, Dover High School, and Parkway Academy with another officer that spends time in William Henry Middle School and the various elementary schools throughout the city.
When Your Child Is Bullied
Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to: 1. Look the bully in the eye. 2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation. 3. Walk away.
Teach your child how to say in a firm voice. 1. “I don’t like what you are doing.” 2. “Please do NOT talk to me like that.” 3. “Why would you say that?”
Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
Support activities that interest your child.
Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.
Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child’s safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
Monitor your child’s social media or texting interactions so you can identify problems before they get out of hand.
When Your Child Is the Bully
Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
Set firm and consistent limits on your child’s aggressive behavior.
Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.
Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied.
When Your Child Is a Bystander
Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying.
Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.
Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.
Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
Teen Driving:
Keep Your Cell Phone Off Multiple studies indicate using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk―that’s even when using a hands-free phone. Besides, your state may prohibit the use of cell phones while driving. Many do for drivers of certain ages.
Don’t Text Research shows texting―on average―causes a loss of focus on the road for five seconds. A lot can go wrong in those five seconds. Don’t try the “texting-while-stopped” approach, either. And, when you have your head down, you won’t notice key developments that may occur, even when you’re stuck at a red light.
Turn on Your Headlights Doing so can increase your visibility and help other drivers see you, even on sunny days.
Obey the Speed Limit Speeding causes about 40% of all fatal teen accidents. That’s especially true when driving on roads with lots of traffic or you’re not familiar with. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with traffic if it seems like everyone else is flying by you. Driving a safe speed helps ensure your well-being, and keeps you away from costly traffic tickets that can cause a sharp hike in your car insurance.
Minimize Distractions It may be tempting to eat, drink, flip around the radio dial, or play music loudly while you’re cruising around town; however, all can cause your mind or vision to wander, even for a few seconds. And, that can be enough for an inexperienced driver to lose control of your car, or not notice an obstacle in the road.
Drive Solo Having a single teen passenger in your car can double the risk of causing a car accident. Adding additional teen passengers causes the risk to escalate.
Practice Defensive Driving Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind. Stay a safe distance behind the car in front of you in slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds. A good way to judge a proper distance is to count 2 seconds from the time the front of your car passes where the rear of the car in front of you passed
