Incident #: 50-14-11204 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 6th at 4:23AM
Location: 7-11, 1019 Walker Road, Dover, DE
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating an early morning armed robbery attempt at the 7-11 Convenience Store located in The Hamlet Shopping Center. At approximately 4:23 AM, two white male suspects entered the business with black masks covering most of their faces. One suspect was wearing tan shorts, black sneakers and a black jacket/sweatshirt. The other is wearing all black clothing as well. One suspect pointed a firearm at the cashier and demanded money. The cashier refused and the suspects fled the store towards the Dollar General at the south end of the complex. The 1st suspect is described a s white male, 5’7″-5’9″, skinny, and mid-teens in age. The 2nd is described as a skinny white male, 5’7″-5’10” and in his mid-late teens. Surveillance images are shown below of the suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Incident #: 50-14-11128 Date/Time: B/T Friday, May 2nd-Monday, May 5th
Location: 300 Block of Mockingbird Avenue, Dover
Narrative: The Dover Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating a residential burglary that occurred over the weekend. Between Friday, May 2nd at 2:30PM and Monday, May 5th at 1:00PM, an unknown suspect forced entry into the residence by removing a screen from a rear door and breaking the glass pane. Once inside the residence, the suspect ransacked several drawers and cabinets, eventually removing cash (undisclosed amount) from a kitchen cabinet. The suspect then fled out of the front door of the residence. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Incident #: 50-14-10842 Date/Time: Friday, May 2nd at 4:33PM
Location: Leipsic Road/North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE
Narrative: A Dover man is facing multiple charges after a series of DUI related motor vehicle accidents on Friday afternoon. On May 2nd, at 4:33PM officers responded to the area of Leipsic Road and North DuPont Highway for a report of a white pick up truck that had struck a vehicle and fled the area. Officers observed a white Chevrolet Silverado, belonging to Taylor Mereider (25) that matched the description of the vehicle given by multiple witnesses and victims with heavy front end damage. Further investigation by officers revealed that Mereider, while operating the truck,had struck a maroon Nissan Rogue from behind, while traveling at a high rate of speed on Leipsic Road. The truck then turned into the parking lot of Sunoco (837 North DuPont Highway). Mereider then struck a white Nissan Sentra that was in the parking lot, a curb, and a light pole. The Nissan Rogue then parked behind Mereider’s truck in the parking lot of Sunoco and the front passenger attempted to exit the vehicle. At this time, Mereider then reversed his vehicle into the front of the end Rogue, striking it for a second time. The truck then fled eastbound on Leipsic Road, and was found a short time later in the 2000 block of Leipsic Road with Mereider standing near the vehicle. Mereider had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person and officers also observed numerous empty beer cans in the passenger compartment of the truck. Mereider was taken to Bayhealth for a blood analysis to determine his alcohol content and charged with DUI. All three occupants of the Nissan Rouge suffered injuries as a result of Mereider’s actions and were treated and released at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital. A 22-year-old male was treated for a head/neck injury, a 26-year-old female was treated for a face/head injury, and a 64-year-old male was treated for arm/shoulder pain.
Taylor Mereider Age: 25
Charges: Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree (3x) DUI Malicious Mischief by a Motor Vehicle Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury Failure to Report a Collision Involving Alcohol or Drugs Reckless Driving Failure to Have Insurance ID in Possession
The Dover Police Department’s Planning and Training Unit will hold a “How to Succeed in the Hiring Process” seminar for police applicants in the 2014 testing cycle. The seminar will take place on Friday, May 16th at 7:00PM in the Dover Police Department’s Public Assembly Room. Applications will also be accepted at the seminar for those who have not submitted their application yet. Applicants will learn the details of the applicant testing process, including details such as the physical test requirements, written exam, oral board interviews, and the background check process. The seminar is NOT mandatory for applicants, but attendance is encouraged. If there are nay questions, contact Sgt. Kevin Kober at 302-736-7116 or via email: kevin.kober@cj.state.de.us
APPLICATION DEADLINE SET
Applications for the 2014 testing cycle are due by 3:00PM on May 23rd, 2014.
Applicant testing for the 2014 testing cycle is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th at 8:00AM on both days. Applicants will perform the physical test at the Dover High School track located at 1 Pat Lynn Drive, Dover, DE 19904. Upon passing the physical testing process, applicants will report to the Dover Police Department’s Public Assembly Room for the written examination. Only applicants who have submitted their applications prior to the May 23rd, 2014 deadline will be eligible to test for the 2014 testing cycle.For more information please contact Sgt. Kober at 302-736-7116 or at: kevin.kober@cj.state.de.us.
Incident #: 50-14-11096 Date/Time: Monday, May 5th at 9:06AM
Location: WSFS Bank, 1486 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE
Narrative: It took less than 30 minutes for the Dover Police Department to make an arrest in an early morning bank robbery of the WSFS bank on Monday, May 5th. At approximately 9:06AM, James Wilkerson (33), of Dover, entered the main lobby of the WSFS bank wearing all black clothing with a black mask covering his entire face. Wilkerson quickly approached a teller and pointed a .357 revolver and demanded money. The teller complied and the suspect fled from the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. Witnesses in the bank advised officers that the suspect ran northbound across Route 8, towards Country Club Apartments. Bank employees also advised that the suspect had a Hispanic accent. Dover officers arrived on scene within one minute of the 9-1-1 call from the bank advising them of the robbery. As officers set up a perimeter in the area, they observed loose money in the various parking lots and courtyards of the apartment complex. Shortly after, officers observed a Hispanic male (later identified as Wilkerson) throw a black piece of clothing material into a dumpster at Country Club Apartments. Officers immediately contacted Wilkerson and searched the dumpster, recovering the mask used in the robbery. Wilkerson also had on black pants at the time. A search of Wilkerson revealed red dye on his ankle from the dye-pack exploding. Further investigation revealed that Wilkerson lived in a building at Brandywine Court Apartments. A later search of that apartment led to the discovery of the money (stained red) within the apartment as well as the handgun used in the robbery. Wilkerson is prohibited from owning a handgun based on a 2nd Degree Assault conviction from 2007.
There were no injuries to bank employees or customers during the incident.
The following images were taken from the WSFS surveillance system
The bank robbery suspect wore all black, including a black mask that fully covered his face.
James Wilkerson Age: 33Charges: Robbery 1st Degree Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony Tampering with Physical Evidence
Bond: $150,000 secured bond (Includes VOP capias bond)
On Saturday May 3, 2014, Dover Police responded to a complaint of a burglary that occurred at the King Buffet 239 N. Dupont Hwy, Dover, De. The investigation revealed that at approximately 6:00 am, an unknown suspect wearing a white blanket on his head and upper body to conceal his identity, broke out the back window of the business and entered through the window. Once inside the suspect searched the business for money breaking numerous items in the process. After searching the business and being unable to locate any money inside the suspect fled the area. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at www.tipsubmit.com.
Update: Timothy Safford was arrested on May 2, 2014 in Moss Point, Mississippi after a US Marshall’s Task Force received a tip that Safford was staying in the area. According to the acquaintance, Safford was bragging about his crime, and the tipster was able to positively ID him from the Dover Police website. Safford was taken to Jackson County Jail to be held for extradition with no bond. A list of pending charges are shown in Safford’s photo below.
Incident #: 50-14-9313 Date/Time: Thursday, April 17th at 12:45AM
Location: 700 Block of South Halsey Road, Dover
Update: The Dover Police Department arrested 33-year-old Shirley Smith on Thursday afternoon after receiving an anonymous tip of her location from a citizen who learned of the case via the Dover Police Department’s social media platforms. Smith was arrested shortly after 5:00PM at the intersection of McKee Road and College Road. After a brief struggle with arresting officers, Smith was successfully taken into custody. At the time of this release, bond information was not available. The department is now seeking the male suspect involved in this case. The photo released earlier today that displayed a person of interest has been cleared in the investigation. The male suspect has since been identified as Timothy Safford (38) of Dover. The last known address of Safford is 1289 Walker Road (Liberty Court Apartments).
Anyone with any information should contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111. You may also submit an anonymous tip with Delaware Crime Stoppers by phone at: 1-800-847-3333 or online at: http://delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.
Timothy Safford Age: 38 Pending Charges: Kidnapping 1st Degree Robbery 1st Degree Assault 1st Degree Possession of a Deadly Weapon During Commission of a Felony Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited Conspiracy 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief Under $1,000.00 Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Original Narrative:
The Dover Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating an early morning home invasion that resulted in the assault of an 82-year-old man. Officers responded to the residence at 7:35AM after receiving a 911 call from the victim stating he was robbed. The victim advised he arrived at his residence at approximately 12:45AM returning from a Dover restaurant. When he arrived at his home, he was confronted by Shirley Smith (33), and an unknown black male. Smith is reported to be an acquaintance of the victim. The victim advised he was forced from his vehicle and into his home, where he was then thrown to the ground, face down. The suspects then forced the victim to the rear bedroom of the residence and tied his hands behind his back and bound his legs and feet together using wires and cords from various items in the victims residence. The suspects then held a cutting object, possibly a knife, to the victim’s ear and demanded money from him. The victim provided the suspects with his bank card and information, as well as the location of cash in his vehicle. The suspects then cut the victim’s ear, and threatened to cut the victim’s ear off if he did not cooperate further. The victim was also stabbed numerous times in the back/torso area from the suspects. It is believed that the suspects may have used the victim’s kitchen knives in the assault/stabbing. During the incident, the suspects also stole the victims vehicle keys to a 2002 Buick LeSabre to flee the scene. The vehicle was later recovered in the 200 block of North Governors Boulevard, located in the Capitol Park housing development on Bay Road. The victim was able to free himself after being tied up for nearly seven hours prior to calling 911 for assistance. The victim is currently being treated for his injuries at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital and is expected to fully recover from his injuries. The Dover Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit has developed Shirley Smith (30) as the female suspect in the incident. A photo and pending charges are shown below.
Shirley Smith Age: 30Charges: Kidnapping 1st Degree Robbery 1st Degree Assault 1st Degree Possession of a Deadly Weapon During Commission of a Felony Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited Conspiracy 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief Under $1,000.00 Theft of a Motor VehicleBond: Not available at time of press release
Incident #: 50-14-10743 Date/Time: Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 2006 Hrs
Location: 100 Block 0f Hazel Road Dover
Narrative:
Officers of the City of Dover Police Department TAC/ Operation Safe Streets Unit were patrolling the area of N. State Street and Mary Street. Officers observed defendant Damier Harmon who Officers knew to be wanted for a violation of probation warrant. Officers attempted to contact defendant Harmon and take him into custody when Harmon fled from Officers on foot. After a brief foot pursuit defendant Harmon was taken into custody on Hazel Road. While defendant Harmon was fleeing from officers he was observed throwing down a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Harmon was arrested and arraigned at JP#7. Defendant Harmon was released from JP#7 after posting $1000.00 secured bail.
Damier Harmon Age: 17 Charges: Poss of Firearm by Person Prohibited Poss of a Deadly Weapon in Safe School Zone Poss of a Concealed Deadly Weapon Resisting Arrest
