Month: July 2026

Incident Number:  50-26-25907

Date/Time: Monday, July 27th, 2026 at approximately 2:07 A.M.

Location: Unit Block of River Chase Drive, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred early Monday morning in the Unit Block of River Chase Drive.

On Monday, July 27, 2026, at approximately 2:07 a.m., officers responded to the area for the report of a shooting. The preliminary investigation revealed that multiple rounds were fired through a residence window, striking a 62-year-old male victim one time while he was asleep.

The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Three other occupants were inside the residence at the time of the shooting but were not injured.

The investigation remains active, and detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111. Information may also be provided anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-TIP-3333 or submitting a tip online.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-26-25321

Date: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 at approximately 9:35 A.M.

Location: Bayhealth Kent Campus, 640 S. State Street, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for William Ross (46) of Lincoln, DE. Ross was at Bayhealth Kent Campus awaiting treatment for a condition that may pose a risk to his safety and well-being. While waiting, Ross left out of the Emergency Transport doors on foot in an unknown direction. Ross is a black male, 5’7″, 155 pounds, with black hair, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. If you have any information on Ross’ whereabouts, please contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111.

Incident Number:  50-26-24984

Date/Time: Sunday, July 19th, 2026 at approximately 9:09 P.M.

Location: Wendy’s 1596 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested a woman following a strong-arm robbery that occurred Sunday evening at Wendy’s, located at 1596 S. DuPont Highway.

On July 19, 2026, at approximately 9:09 p.m., Dover Police officers responded to the restaurant for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed that an adult female and a juvenile male had purchased food before requesting a cash refund because they were dissatisfied with their order. When employees advised that a refund could not be processed at the restaurant and that they would need to contact management, the female became agitated.

The female then went behind the service counter, entered an employee-only area, and removed approximately $15 from a cash register. During the incident, she assaulted a female employee by punching her multiple times in the chest when the employee attempted to prevent the theft. The cash was thrown out the drive-thru window, where it was collected by the juvenile male.

During the incident, the juvenile male also entered the restaurant, and both suspects made threats to shoot employees before fleeing the area.

The suspect was identified as Shadaira Harris (33), of Ellendale, DE.

Harris was committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution (BWCI) on a $29,000 secured bond on the following offenses:

• Robbery (Strong-Arm)
• Burglary 3rd Degree
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree
• Terroristic Threatening
• Offensive Touching

The investigation remains ongoing regarding the juvenile male suspect.

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Incident Number:  50-26-24423

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 15th between 12:35 A.M. and 1:20 A.M.

Location: New Jerusalem Baptist Church at 25 Jerusalem Way, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at New Jerusalem Baptist Church at 25 Jerusalem Way.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, officers responded to the church after damage was discovered inside the building. The investigation revealed that an unknown suspect entered the church and caused significant damage to the interior, including a security gate, a sanctuary door, and a window. A fire extinguisher was also removed from inside the church and recovered nearby.

At this time, investigators have not determined that any property was stolen from the church.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111. Information may also be provided anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-TIP-3333 or submitting a tip online.

Incident Number:  50-26-24182

Date/Time: Monday, July 13th, 2026 at 3:17 P.M.

Location: Forrest Avenue and Kenton Road, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative: Forrest Avenue and Kenton Road, Dover, DE

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 3:17 p.m., Dover Police officers responded to the intersection of Forrest Avenue and Kenton Road for a report of a motor vehicle collision involving multiple vehicles with injuries. Due to the severity of the crash, the Dover Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

The preliminary investigation determined that a 2026 Mazda 3 traveling eastbound on Forrest Avenue failed to stop for a red traffic signal before making a left turn into the path of a westbound 1990 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the Mazda, ejecting the operator, a 67-year-old male, who sustained life-threatening injuries. After the collision, the motorcycle continued to skid and struck a third vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, causing minor damage.

The motorcycle operator was transported by Delaware State Police helicopter to Christiana Hospital, where he remains hospitalized in serious condition.

The driver of the Mazda, Jessica Lopez, 43, of Hartly, Delaware, displayed signs of impairment at the scene and was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment of minor injuries. During the investigation, officers located heroin and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and on Lopez’s person.

Investigators also learned that Lopez had been arraigned earlier that same day on an unrelated felony case, where she was issued a No Contact Order prohibiting her from driving and was released on unsecured bail.

Following her release from the hospital, Lopez was charged with the following offenses:

• Vehicular Assault First Degree
• Noncompliance with Conditions of Bond (Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked
• Failure to Yield Right of Way While Turning Left
• Failure to Stop at a Red Light

Lopez was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in lieu of $33,202 cash bail.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111 or submit information at: www.doverpolice.org/contact-us.

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The Dover Police Department is now accepting applications for its 2026 Citizen Police Academy (CPA), an engaging and interactive program designed to provide community members with an in-depth look at modern policing and the operations of the Dover Police Department.

The Citizen Police Academy will meet each Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., beginning September 9, 2026, and concluding on November 4, 2026. There is no cost to attend.

The program is designed to educate members of the community about police procedures, the challenges and responsibilities of law enforcement, and the many specialized functions within the department. Participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with Dover Police officers, ask questions, and gain a greater understanding of the work performed every day to keep the community safe.

Applicants do not have to be City of Dover residents to participate.

The Citizen Police Academy is built around three primary goals:

• Educate community members about Dover Police Department procedures and the realities of law enforcement.
• Provide citizens with the opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women who serve their community.
• Give Dover Police Department officers the opportunity to hear directly from the citizens they serve while building stronger community partnerships.

Throughout the academy, participants will receive a realistic behind-the-scenes look at the department through presentations, demonstrations, videos, and hands-on activities. Topics include:

• Meet the Chief / Question & Answer Session
• Community Policing
• Laws of Arrest
• Search and Seizure
• Emergency Communications (9-1-1 Center)
• Internal Affairs
• Criminal Investigations
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Forensics
• Patrol Operations
• Canine Unit
• Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit
• Special Operations Response Team (SORT)
• Use of Force Training
• Traffic Stops
• Public Information

In addition to classroom instruction, each participant will have the opportunity to complete a patrol ride-along with a Dover Police officer, providing firsthand insight into daily police operations.

Applications for the 2026 Citizen Police Academy must be submitted no later than Friday, August 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Space is limited, and applicants are encouraged to apply early at the following link: https://doverpolice.org/citizensacademy/

The Citizen Police Academy application is available at the bottom of the Dover Police Department Citizen Police Academy webpage.

For additional information, please contact the Dover Police Department Public Information Office.

The Dover Police Department is inviting anyone interested in a career in law enforcement to attend its How to Succeed in the Hiring Process Seminar on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the Public Assembly Room at the Dover Police Department. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m., and the seminar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

This free informational seminar is designed to help prospective applicants better understand every step of the Dover Police Department’s hiring process and provide valuable insight into what it takes to become a police officer.

Topics will include:

• The online application process
• Physical fitness assessment
• Written examination
• Oral board interview
• Background investigation
• Chief of Police interview
• Police academy expectations
• Tips and strategies to successfully prepare for each phase of the hiring process

Department personnel will also be available to answer questions and provide firsthand insight into the profession and the hiring process.

No application or RSVP is required. Those interested are encouraged to arrive before the seminar begins and take the first step toward a rewarding career serving the Capital City.

The Dover Police Department accepts applications for police officers on a continual basis. For more information about employment opportunities, please visit www.doverpolice.org/careers.

Anyone with questions about the seminar may contact Sergeant Joseph Bauer at (302) 736-7116.