Date/Time: Friday, December 11th, 2020 at 10:54 p.m.
Location: N. DuPont Highway at Rustic Lane, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department arrested a Smyrna man on drug and firearms charges during a traffic stop on Friday night. At approximately 10:54 p.m., officers stopped Alfred Hawkins III (35) for an equipment violation. While contacting Hawkins, the officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 6 grams of marijuana and a loaded 9mm handgun.
Hawkins was released on an O.R. Bond on the following charges:
-Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Possession of Marijuana
-Drug Paraphernalia
-Traffic Violations
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: Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 at 5:37 p.m.
Location: New Castle Avenue and Collins Drive, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department arrested two men on drug and firearms offenses following a firearms investigation on Tuesday evening. At approximately 5:37 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle in the area of New Castle Avenue and Collins Avenue occupied by Gabriel Kaniecki (21) and Jequille Winborne (23) in reference to a firearms investigation. During the stop, officers detected a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle and later conducted a vehicle search. During the search officers located a 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number, a loaded 9mm high capacity magazine (30 rounds), 103.6 grams of marijuana packaged for sale, and $1,250 in drug proceeds.
Kaniecki was committed to SCI on a $5,750 cash bond on the following charges:
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited (2x)
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
-Drug Paraphernalia
-Illegal Gang Participation
-Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number
Winborne was released on an unsecured bond on the following charges:
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Possession of Marijuana
Gabriel Kaniecki Dover, DEJequille Winborne Frederica, DE
On June 18, 2020, the Dover Police Department announced plans to strengthen its already strong commitment to the best practices in law enforcement. At a press conference, Chief Thomas Johnson Jr. outlined some of the agency’s existing policy and training standards. He also announced plans to improve policy, increase citizen involvement, expand training, and restructure the command staff in order to achieve the larger goal of creating a model 21st Century public safety organization rooted in the principle of community policing. Since that time, much work has been accomplished and the Dover Police Department can report the following progress:
Standards that are either continuing or recently incorporated into policy:
Chokeholds are forbidden unless used as a last resort to save a life.
When time permits, De-Escalation is the primary strategy for intense or escalating situations.
When time permits, warnings will be issued before shooting at a threat or a suspect.
When time permits, all available “less lethal” options will be attempted prior to lethal force.
Dover Police Officers are required to intervene in, and report, any law enforcement force violations.
Shooting at moving vehicles is forbidden unless the following is true and no other option exists-
The operator is directing the vehicle as a deadly weapon toward an individual.
Any occupant of the suspect vehicle are shooting at other individuals.
The Officer can discharge their duty weapon without substantial risk to innocent persons.
Use of Force events are reviewed by every level of the command structure up to the Deputy Chief.
Use of Force events will be completely documented (witness & digital) and investigated.
The Office of Professional Standards will monitor force events through reports and technology.
Identifiable information of Juveniles will not be published absent a significant public safety concern.
The Police Chief’s Advisory Committee was established in September and has met regularly to support the development of Dover Community Policing programs and enhance stakeholder relationships. This diverse panel is currently examining the challenge of communicating to young people, through digital means, a message that rejects drugs, guns and violence.
After examining the issue of “in-custody” deaths, it became clear that more training in anatomy and physiology was needed for law enforcement who routinely must use force to overcome resistance. The Dover Police Department has obtained a commitment from a nationally-known medical expert to train the entire agency on how a resistor can become rapidly medically compromised while being restrained or taken into custody. This training is tentatively scheduled for the last week in May, 2021 when it is hoped that COVID conditions will allow Dr. Gary M. Vilke to travel to Delaware.
In addition to specialized Use of Force Training, the DPD Planning and Training Unit is adding a class on equity to our annual in-service training program. This is keeping with our commitment to give special attention to Justice, Equity, De-Escalation, and Use of Force in our recurring programs.
The Office of Professional Standards has been completely established and now consolidates the Policy, Planning, Training, and Internal Affairs functions of the organization within one Division. This shift in structure allows for an immediate assessment of our service delivery and much faster corrective action when it is needed.
To support the Internal Affairs function, the Dover Police has deployed new software to improve analysis of Officer behaviors. IA Pro will bring much improved capacity in the areas of monitoring performance metrics and early warning indicators. It is part of a larger effort to capture useful data that will inform decisions on training programs, ensure that discipline is fair and effective, identify potential liability challenges, and promote an equitable employee evaluation system.
Body Worn Cameras remain a priority for the Dover Police Department. Select Officers are currently conducting a pilot study of an updated version of previously examined technology. Also, supervisors are meeting with all other major competitors in the marketplace to ensure we identify the most suitable product for Dover that has the best return on investment. Working in conjunction with elected officials, we continue to make strides toward full implementation of this technology to add strength to our case presentations and bring increased transparency to the organization.
We continue to value the idea of having an agency that represents the community it serves. To that end, we have recruited and are currently training eight (8) new Police Officers. They are a diverse and talented group that make up the core enrollment of our new Dover Municipal Police Academy. Dover has not conducted a formal Academy in more than a quarter century. COVID conditions have added a new training challenge to Delaware Policing and the Office of Professional Standards responded in a strong fashion to bridge the “space gap” created by the need for social distancing. The Academy’s staff and certified instructors have also created a custom curriculum that combines the well-developed Delaware State Standards for basic training and the Dover values of Community Policing.
With the support of Dover City Council, primary Community Policing staffing will be doubled in 2021 with the recent approval of a grant that will help deliver five (5) new Officers to the agency. The expanded authorized strength begins in April and will allow the Community Policing Unit (CPU) to deliver many more programs to support the prevention of crime and the relationships with our citizens. While our young people will be a priority, efforts will be aimed toward our seniors and “quality of life” challenges as well.
Directly connected to the expansion of the Community Policing Unit is the effort to bring a social services component to our field operations. In collaboration with State and Regional partners, the Dover Police is working on a program model that will provide alternatives to prosecution of individuals experiencing challenges related to substance abuse, behavioral health, and/or homelessness. Several options have been identified and the deployment of a social services provider is anticipated in 2021. This credentialed professional will engage in prevention, response, and follow-up activities to support this “at-risk” community.
Chief Thomas Johnson Jr. added the following: “I’m very proud of the how the entire Dover Policing Team came together to deliver significant progress on all of our stated goals. In fact, despite a persistent national health emergency, we managed to stand up a community-policing-oriented basic training academy as well as thoroughly researching the implementation of a social services program to serve alongside our expanded community policing unit. It’s a distinct honor to lead such a talented group and I want to thank all of them for their tireless efforts. I’d also like to acknowledge the collaboration and support provided by our local elected and appointed officials. None of this happens in a vacuum and we could not be successful without their involvement and investment. This is an exciting time for us and we look forward to keeping the momentum going into the coming year and beyond.”
On December 3rd, the Dover Police Department made an arrest in the October 31st shooting of a residence on Cherry Street. Charles Blackstock-Stansbury (28) was identified as a suspect in the shooting during the investigation. On December 3rd, officers observed Blackstock-Stansbury and his girlfriend (Lashae Branch, 31) leaving their shared residence in the 100 Block of Spruance Road. The pair left in a blue Chevrolet Cobalt, which matched the suspect vehicle description involved in the shooting. When officers stopped the vehicle, both subject were taken into custody without incident. Blackstock-Stansbury was in possession of a .45 caliber handgun and marijuana. It was soon learned that Blackstock-Stansbury and Branch had left their two young children (ages 1 and 3) alone in their residence. When officers returned to the home, they located the children and a Savage Axis II Precision 6.5 Creedmoor Bolt Action Rifle that was unsecured in the residence where the children had access to it.
The Delaware Division of Family Services was notified and the children were placed in the care of a relative.
Blackstock-Stansbury was committed to SCI on a $51,000 secured bond on the following charges:
-Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (7x)
-Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree (2x)
-Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2x)
-Criminal Mischief
-Possession of Marijuana
Lashae Branch was released on an O.R. bond on two counts of Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree.
Charles Blackstock-Stansbury
Dover, DE Lashae Branch
Dover, DE
Incident Number: 50-20-27651
Date/Time: Saturday, October 31st, 2020 at 1210 a.m.
Location: 100 Block of Cherry 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 the shooting of an occupied home that occurred in the 100 Block of Cherry Street. At approximately 12:10 a.m. on Saturday, October 31st, officers responded to the area for a report of shots fired and a residence being struck. When officers arrived they observed that the a home occupied by seven people was struck at least twice by gunfire. None of the occupants were injured in the shooting incident.
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 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, December 2nd, 2020 at 10:27 p.m.
Location: Stevenson Drive, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department and Delaware Probation and Parole arrested Christopher Reeves (31) on drug and gun charges on Wednesday night. At approximately 10:27 p.m., officers contacted Reeves inside of a vehicle that was in front of a residence on Stevenson Drive. When officers approached the vehicle, they could smell a strong odor of marijuana. Reeves was found to be in possession of 44.8 grams of marijuana, $1,916 in suspected drug proceeds, and a short barrel AR-15 with no serial number.
Reeves was committed to SCI on a $40,050 cash bond on the following offenses:
-Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Possession of Firearm/Ammo by Person Prohibited (3x)
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
-Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 at 12:46 p.m.
Location: 800 Block of Aham 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 arrested two men on drug charges during a traffic stop on Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 12:46 p.m., officers stopped a vehicle for a seatbelt violation in the area of Lincoln Street and Reese Street. During the stop, officers could smell the strong odor of marijuana. A search of the vehicle, driver, and passenger led to the discovery of a combined 260 bags of heroin, and 27 grams of marijuana.
Cahlil Simmons (26) was released on an unsecured bond on the following charges:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
-Possession of Heroin
-Possession of Marijuana
-Drug Paraphernalia
Daeron May (21) was committed to SCI on a $13,000 secured bond on the following charges:
–Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin
-Possession of Heroin
-Possession of Marijuana
-Drug Paraphernalia
-Possession of Marijuana
-Tampering with Physical Evidence
-Capias
