Category: Dover Police News

Incident Number: 50-21-0809

Date/Time:  See Narrative

Location: See Narrative

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

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department arrested Robert Scott (35) after investigating a series of thefts and a theft of a motor vehicle.  The investigation began when officers reported to Matthew Court in the Heatherfield East development for a report of a stolen vehicle.  The victim advised officers that her 2018 Gray Dodge Journey was stolen from her driveway.  While on scene, officers were contacted by three additional victims who told officers that their vehicles has been rummaged through, with some items such as GPS, loose change, and other valuables being stolen.

On Thursday, January 28th, an officer on patrol was in the area of South Queen Street at approximately 9:34 a.m.  While driving, a gray Dodge Journey drove past.  The officer followed the vehicle and confirmed it was the same vehicle that was stolen on January 27th.  Robert Scott parked the vehicle in the 100 Block of South New Street and was arrested by officers without incident. 

Scott was released on an O.R. bond on the following offenses:
-Theft of Motor Vehicle
-Theft Under $1,500 (2x)
-Criminal Trespass3rd Degree (5x)

Date:  Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 

Location: 300 Block of Billie Mitchell Lane, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: 

On January 27th, the US Marshals Service and members of Dover PD Safe Streets responded to a home in the 300 Block of Billie Mitchell Lane, General’s Green Apartments, Dover, DE 19901 in reference to locating Corey Lewis (30) in reference to an out of state fugitive warrant with a $1 billion dollar cash bail and a $200,000.00 cash bail warrant.  US Marshals attempted to make contact with Lewis who then proceeded to barricade the door of the apartment, preventing entry.  Delaware State Police was then notified and responded to the scene.  US Marshals made contact with Lewis via phone and were negotiating him coming out while the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team started to respond to the area. 

Lewis eventually exited the apartment on his own and was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.  He was found to have a quantity of marijuana and United States Currency on his person.  The apartment had an odor of marijuana emanating from it and Delaware State Police officers applied for a search warrant.  Upon approval, officers who were already on scene executed the search warrant.  An additional quantity of marijuana and a digital scale was recovered as a result of the search warrant.  A total of 172.13 grams of marijuana, $400.00 USC and a digital scale was recovered.  Lewis was charged with Drug Dealing, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Lewis was then committed to SCI on an out of state detainer.  

Corey Lewis was  wanted out of Kent County Superior Court for Failure to Appear – Final Case Review on the following charges: Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony X2, in violation of Delaware Code Title 11 Section 1447 (class B Felony),  Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (X2) in violation of Delaware Code Title 11 Section 1448 (class C Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Tier 4 Quantity of Heroin in violation of Delaware Code Title 11 Section 4752 (class B Felony) and other associated drug charges in Kent Superior Court.  The original crime occurred on April 30, 2019 and a $200,000 cash capias was issued on November 2nd, 2020. 

Lewis also had a capias for his arrest out of Justice of the Peace Court 7 for Failure to Appear on being a Fugitive from Another State in violation of Delaware Code Title 11 Section 2513 (unclassified Misdemeanor).  Lewis was wanted out of Warrington Township Police Department (Pennsylvania) for numerous burglary charges.  Lewis was arrested on March 29th, 2020 by Dover Police and found to have active warrants out of Warrington Township Police.  Lewis fought extradition back to Pennsylvania and was able to post bail.  Lewis then failed to appear in Justice of the Peace Court 7 on July 15, 2020 and a 1 million dollar capias was issued.

Incident Number: 50-21-2475

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 at 7:36 p.m.

Location: Rear Alley in the 600 Block of Pear Street, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred on Wednesday evening in the rear alley of the 600 Block of Pear Street.  A male victim agreed to meet one of the suspects through a social app.  When he met the man on Whatcoat Drive, he was with two other men.  The victim agreed to drive them to Pear Street.  When they stopped in the rear alley of Pear Street, the three suspects assaulted the victim and removed his car keys, wallet, cell phone, and glasses.  The suspects then fled in the vehicle (since recovered) belonging to the victim.  

The victim suffered minor facial injuries and was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for treatment.  The suspects were only described as black males.

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 delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

The Dover Police Department has received unanimous approval for a Body Worn Camera program for their officers.  During a January 26^th Council Meeting of the Whole (Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee), the proposal for a full body worn camera program was unanimously approved.  The program will now move to City Council for final approval. 

After months of research and field testing different body worn camera brands and models, the Dover Police Department determined that the Axon/Taser model was best suited for their agency.  The program includes a 5-year package that covers all devices and accessories to include:

-70 new Axon Body 3 body worn cameras with two sets of scheduled replacement cameras during the 5-year program
–85 new T-7 Tasers
-Device Docking stations and related accessories
-Data Storage and Sharing Capabilities through Evidence.com
–Virtual Reality/De-escalation Training for all officers in the following topics:

• Schizophrenia
• Suicidal Ideation
• Autism
• Hard of Hearing
• Peer Intervention
• Post-Traumatic-Stress

The approved proposal also addresses the workload that is associated with managing body worn camera data, storage, file maintenance, and evidence requests by funding an evidence manager position for the Dover Police Department.

The body worn camera program was one of several objectives that was part of a series of reform goals outlined in a June 2020 press conference.  Since that announcement, the department provided an update in December detailing the accomplishments of the agency that met or exceeded those goals.  With the approval of the Axon/Taser body worn camera proposal, the Dover Police Department continues to be a leader in the first state in ensuring transparent and equal law enforcement services to their community.

More information on the Body Worn Camera Program:
DPD Body Worn Camera Program Details(PowerPoint)
DPD Body Worn Camera Program Details (PDF)

Incident Number: 50-21-2267

Date/Time:  Monday, January 25th, 2021 at 11:24 p.m.

Location: Royal Farms, 293 Saulsbury Road, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred at the Royal Farms on Saulsbury Road on Monday night.  At approximately 11:24 p.m., officers responded to the store and contacted a 23-year-old male employee/victim.  The employee advised officers that a male suspect entered the store and asked for two packs of cigarettes and demanded all of the money in the register.  The suspect had his hand inside of a hooded sweatshirt pocket and the employee believed him to be armed.  The suspect fled eastbound on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash from the business.

The suspect was described by the employee as a black male wearing a gray Nike hooded sweatshirt, blue faded jeans, white and red sneakers, and a multi-color face mask.

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 delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

Incident Number: 50-21-2226

Date/Time:  Monday, January 25th, 2021 at 1:35 p.m.

Location: 300 Block of North Governors Avenue, Dover, DE

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

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department executed a search warrant and made an arrest as the result of an investigation of illegal drug sales.  On Monday, January 25th, officers took Keith Adkins (43) into custody in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn on North DuPont Highway without incident.  Shortly after, the search warrant was executed at his residence in the 300 Block of North Governors Avenue.  During the search, the following items were located:
-22.2 grams of powder cocaine
-6 doses of ecstasy
-19 doses of Amphetamine/Dextroampehtamine  
-361. grams of marijuana
-paraphernalia
-$2,251 in drug proceeds

Adkins was released on an unsecured bond on the following charges:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine
-Possession of Cocaine
-Possession of MDMA
-Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance
-Possession of Marijuana
-Drug Paraphernalia

Incident Number: 50-21-2207/2220

Date/Time:  Monday, January 25th, 2021

Location: See Narrative

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

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department arrested Maria Martinez (27) for two robberies that occurred on Monday, January 25th.  The first incident occurred at the WAWA convenience store located at 298 S. DuPont Highway.  A 46-year-old male was using the indoor ATM at the business at approximately 11:42 a.m. when Martinez approached him and asked for cash.  The male refused and Martinez sprayed him with pepper spray.  While the victim was suffering the affects of the spray, Martinez removed an undisclosed amount of cash from his hand and fled the area.  Arriving officers utilized video surveillance and witness accounts to obtain a description of Martinez who was wearing a purple jacket, white shirt, blue jeans, and black Nike shoes.

At approximately 1:02 p.m., officers were called to TJ Maxx, located at 1091 N. DuPont Highway for a report of another robbery.  Upon arrival, officers contacted a 45-year-old male who works as a manager of the business.  The victim advised that Martinez was observed concealing merchandise inside of a large suitcase.  The victim approached Martinez and escorted her to the front of the store.  At that time, Martinez sprayed the victim with pepper spray and fled on foot.  Arriving officers took Martinez into custody and returned $405 worth of merchandise to the business.  Martinez was wearing the same clothing from the WAWA robbery at the time of her arrest.

Both victims refused medical attention.

While Martinez was in custody at the Dover Police Department, she intentionally coughed on officers and stated she was Covid-19 positive.  A later test showed that Martinez did not have Covid-19 at the time of her arrest.

Martinez was committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $24,000 secured bond on the following charges:
-Robbery 1st Degree (2x)
-Disorderly Conduct (2x)
-Offensive Touching-Saliva
-Terroristic Threatening
-Endangering the Welfare of a Child

The Dover Police Department is announcing the promotions of 29 officers dating back to January of 2020.  Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on indoor gatherings, the department delayed multiple planned ceremonies in hopes of being able to properly recognize and celebrate the officers’ accomplishments.  On January 21st, the department held a socially distant and scaled down ceremony at the Dover Police Department with each officer being recognized individually by Chief Thomas Johnson and Mayor Robin Christiansen.  

Major David Spicer was promoted from the rank of Captain and will serve as the Deputy Chief of the Dover Police Department.

Captain Christopher Hermance was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant and will serve as the Administrative Division Commander.

Captain Kevin Kober was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant and will serve as the head of the Office of Professional Standards.

Captain Randy Robbins was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant and will serve as the Operations Division Commander.

Lieutenant Aaron Dickinson was promoted from the rank of Sergeant and will serve as the Criminal Investigations Unit Commander.

Lieutenant Paul Kuntzi was promoted from the rank of Sergeant and will serve as the Special Enforcement Unit Commander.

Lieutenant Jordan Miller was promoted from the rank of Sergeant and will serve as the Patrol Unit Commander.

Lieutenant Robert “Ernie” Roswell was promoted from the rank of Sergeant and will serve as the Internal Affairs Commander.

Sergeant Bernardo “Frank” Fioravaniti was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal and will serve as a platoon leader on the patrol unit.

Sergeant Jeffrey Gott was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal and will serve as a platoon leader on the patrol unit.

Sergeant Mark Hoffman was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal and will continue to serve as the Public Information Officer for the department.

Sergeant Jennifer Lynch was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal and will serve as a platoon leader on the patrol unit.

Sergeant Christopher Peer was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal and will serve as the Community Policing Supervisor.

Sergeant Kevin Streadwick was promoted from the rank of Master Corporal and will serve as the Criminal Investigations Unit Supervisor.

Master Corporal Joshua Boesenberg was promoted from the rank of Corporal and will continue to serve in the Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit and the ATF Task Force.

Master Corporal Brian Gedney was promoted from the rank of Corporal and will serve as a section leader on the patrol unit.

Master Corporal Scott Hurd was promoted from the rank of Corporal and will serve as a section leader on the patrol unit.

Master Corporal Anthony Toto was promoted from the rank of Corporal and will serve as a section leader on the patrol unit.

Master Corporal Nathaniel Warren was promoted from the rank of Corporal and will serve as a section leader in the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Master Corporal Joseph Bauer was promoted  from the rank of Corporal and will serve as a section leader on the patrol unit.

Corporal James Johnson was promoted from the rank of Patrolman First Class and will continue to serve in the Street Crimes Unit.

Corporal Brooks Ogden was promoted from the rank of Patrolman First Class and will continue to serve as a K9 officer on the patrol unit.

Corporal Jacob Rankin was promoted from the rank of Patrolman First Class and will continue to serve as a detective in the Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit.

Corporal Ryan Schmid was promoted from the rank of Patrolman First Class and will continue to serve as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Corporal James Wood was promoted from the rank of Patrolman First Class and will continue to serve as a CSI detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Patrolman First Class Kody Frye was promoted from the rank of Patrolman and will continue to serve as a patrol officer on the patrol unit.

Patrolman First Class Nate Weir was promoted from the rank of Patrolman and will continue to serve as a patrol officer on the patrol unit.

Patrolman First Class Alvin Hudson was promoted from the rank of Patrolman and will continue to serve as a patrol officer on the patrol unit.

Patrolwoman First Class Melissa Lake was promoted from the rank of Patrolwoman and will continue to serve as a patrol officer on the patrol unit.