Date/Time: Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 at approximately 12:44 a.m.
Location: Unit Block of South New Street, just south of West Division 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 is investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that occurred early Wednesday morning.
At approximately 12:44 a.m., Dover Police officers responded to the Unit Block of S. New Street, just south of West Division Street, for a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers located a 2013 Nissan Murano that had struck a tree on the east side of the roadway.
Officers located the driver, identified as 26-year-old Aalyah Casson of Felton, DE, suffering from serious injuries inside the vehicle. Officers and emergency medical personnel immediately rendered medical aid; however, Casson later succumbed to her injuries.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Casson was traveling westbound on West Division Street when she turned left onto S. New Street at a high rate of speed. After turning onto S. New Street, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Investigators determined that Casson was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous.
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.
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 at 11:26 p.m.
Location: Capital Inn, 1426 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Lieutenant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: Three suspects were arrested following a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, April 29th at approximately 11:26 p.m. Officers responded to the Capital Inn for reports of shots fired. As officers responded, a witness called 9-1-1 and advised that subjects were seen running into a gray Ford Flex SUV that fled southbound on DuPont Highway. Arriving officers discovered that an occupied hotel room had a shattered window and multiple shots through the door. The room was occupied by three juveniles, ages 17, 13, and 12 at the time of the incident. In addition to the damage, 12 shell casings were located at the scene.
A short time later, the Delaware State Police conducted a traffic stop on the gray Ford Flex in the Camden, Delaware area. The vehicle was occupied by Isaiah Williams (21, Salisbury, MD), Tashawn Gantt (24, Delmar, MD), and Keangello Crump (18, Eden, MD) The vehicle was driven by a 34-year-old female that was not charged in the incident.
Williams, Gantt, and Crump were all taken into custody wearing the same clothing as shown on the video from the Capital Inn shooting. Two 9mm handguns were located inside of the vehicle, with one being reported stolen out of Delaware State Police Troop 7.
Williams was committed to SCI on a $165,100 cash bond on the following offenses: -Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony (2x) -Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x) -Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (3x) -Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony -Receiving a Stolen Firearm -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Criminal Mischief
Tashawn Gantt was committed to SCI on a $166,100 cash bond on the following offenses: -Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony (2x) -Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x) -Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (3x) -Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony -Receiving a Stolen Firearm -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Criminal Mischief -Assault 3rd Degree
Keangello Crump was committed to SCI on a $105,100 secured bond on the following offenses: -Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony (2x) -Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (3x) -Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony -Receiving a Stolen Firearm -Conspiracy 2nd Degree -Criminal Mischief
The Dover Police Department is proud to announce that Corporal Heather Seibert has been named 2025 Officer of the Year, becoming the first female officer in the department’s 101-year history to receive the honor.
In addition, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith has been named 2025 Civilian of the Year, marking the first time in department history that both Officer and Civilian of the Year awards have been earned by women in the same year.
These recognitions reflect not only a historic milestone, but the measurable impact both individuals have made through their work in the community.
Corporal Heather Seibert – Officer of the Year
For more than a century, the Dover Police Department has recognized its top officer each year. In 2025, that distinction belongs to Corporal Heather Seibert—an officer whose work ethic, investigative ability, and commitment to follow-through have set her apart.
Since joining the department in 2019, Seibert has become known among her peers as “the officer with the answers,” a reputation built on her attention to detail, willingness to take on any task, and refusal to leave cases unresolved.
While serving as both a patrol officer and primary shift investigator, Seibert handled an exceptionally high workload in the 2nd quarter of 2025—responding to approximately 400 calls for service, completing more than 80 reports, and investigating over a dozen motor vehicle collisions in a single quarter.
Her casework during that time highlights the depth of her impact:
April 7, 2025 – Shots Fired Investigation:
Corporal Seibert responded to a 911 call reporting a vehicle struck by gunfire. She identified a bullet strike to the vehicle and during the investigation, was able to connect a second victim reporting a similar incident. Her ability to quickly gather intelligence and coordinate with the Criminal Investigations Unit led to the detention of a suspect and recovery of two firearms.
April 21, 2025 – Hit-and-Run Motor Vehicle Accident with Injuries:
Corporal Seibert responded to a hit-and-run accident that left two pedestrians injured. After obtaining a suspect and vehicle description from a witness, Corporal Seibert canvassed the area in search of video and identified the suspect vehicle through surveillance footage, leading to an arrest and felony charges.
May 1, 2025 – Pedestrian Injury Investigation:
Corporal Seibert once again responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian with severe injuries. Despite difficulties getting information from the involved parties, including the victim, Corporal Seibert canvassed the neighborhood searching for witnesses and home video surveillance to aid her investigation. Corporal Seibert’s efforts led to the discovery of crucial evidence that resulted in the arrest of the suspect involved in this case.
May 25, 2025 – Child Abuse Investigation:
On May 25, 2025, Corporal Seibert responded to a reported child abuse case after a juvenile fled to a neighbor’s home. Seibert conducted a thorough and compassionate investigation, documenting the child’s injuries and identifying the mother as the suspect. After consulting with investigators and the Deputy Attorney General, she placed the suspect into custody on child abuse charges and ensured the child was removed from the home and placed in a safe environment.
Corporal Seibert’s accomplishments in the 2nd Quarter of 2025 led to her recognition as the Officer of the 2nd Quarter and ultimately the 2025 Officer of the Year. Corporal Seibert now serves as a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit after being selected in January of 2026.
Following this historic recognition, we asked Corporal Seibert to reflect on her career thus far, her work, and the impact of being named Officer of the Year:
What first drew you to a career in law enforcement, and why did you choose the Dover Police Department? “I’ve been watching crime TV shows and helping my dad catch thieves in his convenience store since a young age. I’ve always loved righting wrongs and standing up for the little guy. Choosing Dover PD was really just luck. I happened to be moving to the area when I was starting my career and it was really the only department I ever looked at and never looked back.
Is there a case or incident that you handled that was especially meaningful or impactful for you? “It wasn’t one moment as much as a reaffirmation of why the work I do is important. In a domestic violence case, I later saw the victim again months later. She told me that our interaction was the push she needed to leave the relationship and that she and her kids were now thriving. We don’t usually get to see the positive outcomes, so it was great to see that my work contributed to helping a family long term.”
What does serving the Dover community mean to you on a day-to-day basis? “Serving the community looks different every day, but for me it means showing up and doing the job the right way regardless of the circumstances.”
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, either within the department or personally? “My husband and mom have been my biggest personal supporters. Professionally, Lt. Jeffrey Gott and Sgt. Nathanial Warren were instrumental early on—they helped shape me as an officer and pushed me to stay motivated and keep working toward my goals, even during difficult times.”
Your nomination letter highlights your attention to detail and follow-up on cases others might consider closed—what drives that extra effort in your work? “I honestly just love to know the answer to the puzzle and make sure there are no loose ends. Those details can make or break a case and shed a lot of light on the big picture.”
What advice would you give to someone—especially young women—considering a career in law enforcement? “Take the time to fully understand what this career demands. Law enforcement isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle that affects every part of your life. If it’s something you truly want, start preparing now—both physically and mentally. Build resilience, discipline, and confidence. And don’t be discouraged by challenges or expectations—there is absolutely a place for you in this field.”
You are the first female officer in the department’s 101-year history to receive this honor—what does that milestone mean to you personally, and what message do you hope it sends to others? “I’m honored to represent the women in law enforcement who contribute to this profession every day. Our academy motto was ‘exceed the standard, raise the bar,’ and I hope this shows that I’m just the first of many and encourages others to continue raising that bar.”
When you’re not on duty, what do you enjoy doing to unwind and recharge? “My favorite way to recharge is to travel and see the world. But I can’t do that every weekend, so I usually hit a yoga class and watch tv with a cup of tea and a bowl of ice cream.
Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith – Civilian of the Year
In just over a year with the Dover Police Department, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith has established herself as a highly productive, dependable, and compassionate member of the agency—earning Civilian of the Year through both the volume of her work and the impact of her cases. In a short time, ACO Smith has taken on a workload and level of responsibility that reflects both trust from the department and a strong commitment to the role.
During the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, ACO Smith responded to 114 complaints, serving as the primary officer on 103 of those calls. In that time, she issued multiple warnings and enforcement actions, conducted investigations resulting in an arrest, and secured a warrant involving seven animal-related charges.
ACO Smith’s accomplishments in the 4th Quarter of 2025 led to her recognition as the Civilian of the 4th Quarter and ultimately the 2025 Civilian of the Year.
ACO Smith’s work routinely places her in difficult and often disturbing environments—but also in a position to make immediate, visible change.
On November 25, 2025, ACO Smith responded to an apartment on South New Street for a reported animal neglect complaint. Inside, she discovered three dogs and four cats in severely malnourished condition, with visible ribs and hips, living in an apartment covered in urine and feces. While working to obtain a search and seizure warrant, the owner fled with one of the dogs. Despite this, ACO Smith coordinated with the Office of Animal Welfare and City Code Enforcement—largely on her own—to rescue six animals and assist in condemning the residence, removing them from dangerous conditions.
On December 23, 2025, ACO Smith responded to a report of a deceased dog inside a residence on North Kirkwood Street. Her investigation determined the animal had died from starvation after being confined in a crate filled with waste. She secured charges against the responsible individual and, in the same case, convinced the owner to surrender a second dog—personally transporting it to Brandywine Valley SPCA to give it a chance at a better life in a new home.
Beyond her primary responsibilities, ACO Smith demonstrated initiative by stepping in to assist the department’s Parking Enforcement Unit during a staffing shortage. She voluntarily adjusted her schedule—often coming in early—to support major community events, including parades and city functions.
Despite the intensity of the work, ACO Smith approaches the role with a straightforward mindset rooted in both enforcement and education:
“I have always had a love for animals, and this is a great position to educate owners and the public on the proper laws on owning animals.”
She emphasizes a balanced approach in the field:
“I evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis and determine if education or law enforcement is appropriate.”
For ACO Smith, the reward comes from the outcome, even in the most difficult cases:
“I enjoy the variety of work that I do daily, and even the challenging moments can be rewarding when the animal is in a safe place.”
She described the recognition as both humbling and motivating:
“It’s an honor and a shock to be recognized by my peers in such a high regard, and I hope to maintain the expectations of such an award.”
Her work reflects a commitment not only to enforcing animal welfare laws, but to improving conditions for both animals and the community as a whole—often in situations where immediate action makes all the difference.
The recognition of Corporal Seibert and ACO Smith marks a defining moment in the Dover Police Department’s 101-year history. While their roles differ, both have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, accountability, and performing the job with integrity and compassion.
Their work reflects the core values of the department and highlights the impact dedicated professionals can have across every aspect of public safety. Together, their work represents the standard of service the Dover Police Department strives to deliver every day.
Chief Thomas Johnson, Jr. praised both honorees, stating: “Caitlyn and Heather are highly professional, get-things-done members of our organization. In each situation they address, their empathy and compassion is clearly visible while they hold individuals accountable for their behavior. They serve the interests of justice as they champion the needs of our victims, and society as a whole. We have 150 or so stellar employees in the Dover Police Department. Dozens were nominated for their outstanding performance in 2025. ACO Smith and Corporal Seibert clearly distinguished themselves above all others and earned this annual recognition through quiet excellence. The Dover PD is happy to announce that excellence loudly and proudly. Congratulations to both of them.”
The Dover Police Department has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of service, progress, and community partnership while commemorating a historic milestone for the agency.
The report reflects on the Department’s 100th anniversary, marking a century of dedicated service to the City of Dover. Throughout 2025, the Department balanced proactive policing strategies with a continued emphasis on community engagement, reinforcing its commitment to public safety and quality of life.
Operationally, the Department maintained a strong focus on patrol, criminal investigations, and specialized enforcement efforts. Detectives achieved notable clearance rates in serious cases, including shootings, robberies, and burglaries, while proactive units conducted hundreds of investigations leading to significant arrests, drug seizures, and the recovery of illegal firearms.
The Department also responded to more than 93,000 calls for service through its Emergency Communications Center, answering over 95% of emergency calls within 10 seconds—demonstrating efficiency and responsiveness in critical moments.
Community policing remained a cornerstone of the Department’s mission. Officers participated in numerous outreach events, youth programs, and partnerships aimed at strengthening relationships with residents and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Unit continued to play a key role in addressing mental health and substance abuse-related calls, providing specialized responses and reducing repeat incidents.
Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr. noted that the report reflects the professionalism and resilience of Department members. “This report highlights not only our operational successes, but also our continued commitment to the community we serve. As we move forward, we remain focused on strengthening partnerships, adapting to new challenges, and upholding the highest standards of public safety.”
The 2025 Annual Report also recognizes the achievements of Department personnel, outlines training and recruitment efforts, and provides a comprehensive overview of each unit’s contributions.
The full report is available to the public and offers an in-depth look at the Department’s efforts to enhance safety, build trust, and serve the Dover community.
The Dover Police Department is seeking feedback from the community by offering citizens the opportunity to complete an online survey. The Community Satisfaction Survey allows citizens who respond to remain anonymous, while providing honest feedback about the Dover Police Department. The feedback received from the survey will help the police department determine the needs and priorities of the community and help to provide better policing services for the City of Dover.
The survey allows the community to provide input in areas such as overall performance and competence of the Dover Police Department, crime/safety related issues, authorized strength (number of officers employed), and general opinions on how to improve police services for the City of Dover.
The survey will remain online for approximately 90 days before results are collected and analyzed.
The Dover Police Department has conducted these surveys before in accordance with Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards, with this being the fifth time it is being offered online. The 2026 survey can be found at the following link:
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 damaged an occupied apartment in the 100 Block of Willis Road. Officers responded to the area for a report of shots fired at approximately 12:34 a.m. on Friday, April 17th. At the time no damage was observed and no information was offered by anyone in the area. At approximately 9:06 a.m., another call was received from a resident who advised that they had damage to their residence. Detectives located a window that had been shot with the round traveling into a wall in the kitchen of the apartment. No injuries occurred, but the apartment was occupied by one person.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7145. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. A cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.
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.
