Date/Time:Â Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 at 12:16 p.m.
Location: Bay Road / Presidents Drive and the 400 Block of Barrister Place
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative:Â The Dover Police Department has arrested Angel Sanabria, 18, and a 15-year-old male, both of Dover, following a firearm investigation on Wednesday afternoon. The investigation began at 12:16 p.m., when members of the Dover Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, along with Delaware Probation and Parole, contacted Sanabria in the area of Presidents Drive and Bay Road during a traffic stop. Sanabria was taken into custody and found in possession of a handgun. Sanabria is prohibited from possessing a handgun. Sanabria was transported to the Dover Police Department at this time.
The ensuing investigation led the Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit to obtain a search warrant for a residence in the 400 block of Barrister Place related to the firearm investigation.
At approximately 2:53 p.m., the Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team executed the search warrant on the home in the 400 block of Barrister Place. During the execution of the search warrant, a Dover Police Officer was injured and transported to an area hospital by Dover Police Officers for treatment. While the officer’s injury occurred during the incident, it was not the result of any actions taken by the suspects.
During the search warrant, a 15-year-old male was taken into custody without incident. Detectives located a gray duffel bag with a glock model 23, an Eagle Arms semi-automatic rifle, and an AR-style rifle broken down into two pieces to fit into the bag. The investigation revealed that the 15-year-old had possessed this bag before the officers’ arrival on the scene and had placed it inside a vehicle located on the property. A fourth firearm was located inside the home. In total, 5 firearms were recovered during this investigation.
The 15-year-old male and all firearms were transported to the Dover Police Department.
Sanabria was committed to SCI on $24,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited (Under 21) (2x) -Carrying a concealed Deadly Weapon (2x)
The 15-year-old male was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $36,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (under 21) (3x) -Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (3x)
Date/Time:Â Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, at 8:46 p.m.
Location: 100 Block of West Loockerman Street Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative:Â The Dover Police Department has arrested Marquis Boyer-Smith, 30, of Dover, following a robbery Tuesday night. The investigation began at 8:46 p.m. Tuesday, when Dover Police received a call for a robbery in the 100 Block of West Loockerman Street. Officers responded and contacted the victim. The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim was in the 100 block of West Loockerman Street and was approached by Boyer-Smith. Boyer-Smith assaulted the victim, and stole property belonging to him and left the area in a vehicle.
Patrol Officers located the vehicle and took Boyer-Smith into custody without incident.
Boyer-Smith was transported to the Dover Police Department, where he was processed and arraigned.
Boyer-Smith was committed to SCI on $4,200 secured bail on the following charges: -Robbery Second Degree -Terroristic Threatening -Offensive Touching -Criminal Mischief Less Than $1,000
Boyer-Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
**This release was updated on 8/21/25 at 7:53 a.m. to correct the name of Saulsbury Road**
Incident Number:Â 50-25-30258
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, at 8:46 p.m.
Location:Â Saulsbury Road and Clara Street EXT
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that resulted in the death of a 44-year-old Dover man. The investigation began at 8:46 p.m., when Dover Police received a call for a vehicle that had struck a pedestrian on Salisbury Road in the area of Clara Street EXT. Officers responded and located the victim, a 44-year-old Male of Dover. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment. Sadly, he died as a result of the injuries sustained during the crash.
The ensuing investigation revealed that a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox was traveling southbound on Salisbury Road in the area of Clara Street EXT. At the same time, the victim was walking in the roadway, and the collision occurred. A second, currently unknown, vehicle struck the victim and failed to stop.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending family notifications. No charges have been filed at this time. Anyone with information related to this crash should contact PFC Chase Strickland at 302-736-7111.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance. You can contact the Victim Services Unit at Casey.Wilson@cj.state.de.us
You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:
The Dover Police Department is canceling the Gold Alert for Michael Lawley. He has been located and is safe.
**ORIGINAL REPORT**
Incident/Complaint#:Â Â 50-25-23379
Date: Friday, June 27th 2025 at 9:59 p.m.
Location: Bayhealth, 640 S State Street Dover, DE
Officer Releasing Information: Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Michael Lawley, 53, of Dover. Lawley was last seen at 9:18 p.m. in the area of Bayhealth Kent Campus. Attempts to contact him have been negative, and there is a concern for his safety. He is described as a white male, 5’10”, 200 pounds, bald head and blue eyes. At the time, he was wearing all black clothings.
If you have any information on Lawley’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.
The Dover Police Department is offering the following information to better prepare the citizens we serve for Back to School week.
Police in Schools: The Dover Police Department has a full-time officer dedicated to the Dover High School, Dover Middle Schools of Excellence and Innovation, William Henry Middle School, Kent County Secondary ILC, and one SRO assigned to charter/private schools in the City of Dover. These officers are otherwise known as SRO’s or School Resource Officers. We encourage parents to tell their children to communicate concerns with those officers as needed. In addition to our five full-time youth officers, the department will increase their presence at schools across the city during the first days of school to ensure a smooth and safe process for all children and school faculty. There will also be increased presence by the Special Enforcement Unit Motorcycle Division in area school zones, cross walks, and bus routes to crack down on vehicle violations. People who speed in school zones, disobey crossing guards, or pass school buses will be cited accordingly.
H.A.W.K. Traffic Signal at Dover High School The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot) installed the new High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK system at the Dover High School main entrance/exit prior to the 2014-2015 school year. This system is designed to maximize the flow of traffic in what is expected to be a congested area before and after school. A video showing how the light works can be viewed below.
Tips for Motorists The Dover Police Department will utilize special enforcement units to increase presence in school zones and on bus routes throughout the city to target speed violations, passing of school buses, and other driving violations that threaten the safety of school children. The beginning of school is also a time when children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, and motor vehicle crashes because there are many more children on the road each morning and afternoon and many drivers’ patterns change. Shorter daylight hours make it especially difficult to see young pedestrians and bicyclists. So as schools open their doors, it’s time for everyone – motorists, parents, educators, and students – to improve their traffic safety practices. The following tips can help make this a safe and happy school year for the whole community. School Bus Safety:
It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus while its lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.
On undivided roadways, with no physical barrier or median, vehicles must stop on both sides of the roadway.
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off. Motorists approaching from either direction must wait until the red lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Learn and obey the “alternately flashing warning light” system that school bus drivers use to alert motorists.
School Zone/Bus Stop Safety:
When a school bus or children are present slow down and proceed with caution, obeying all traffic laws and speed limits.
Obey School Zone speed limits & watch for flashing yellow lights, crossing guards, etc.
Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.
Walk/Bike to School:
Practice taking the route your child will walk before school.
Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
Use appropriate hand signals.
Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.
Know the “rules of the road.”
Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
Identify other children in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider organizing a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.
Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.
Back to School Traffic Safety Tips are from the National Safety Council:
If You’re Dropping Off
Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. The following apply to all school zones:
Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles
Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school
Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school
Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians
According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they’re walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:
Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way
Sharing the Road with School Buses
If you’re driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children
If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist
When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass
If you’re turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals
Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this
Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods
Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars
Check side mirrors before opening your door
By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.
Bullying:
Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the Internet, or through mobile devices like cell phones. The Dover Police Department has full-time officers dedicated to the Central Middle School, Dover High School, and Parkway Academy with another officer that spends time in William Henry Middle School and the various elementary schools throughout the city.
When Your Child Is Bullied
Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to: 1. Look the bully in the eye. 2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation. 3. Walk away.
Teach your child how to say in a firm voice. 1. “I don’t like what you are doing.” 2. “Please do NOT talk to me like that.” 3. “Why would you say that?”
Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
Support activities that interest your child.
Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.
Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child’s safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
Monitor your child’s social media or texting interactions so you can identify problems before they get out of hand.
When Your Child Is the Bully
Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
Set firm and consistent limits on your child’s aggressive behavior.
Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.
Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied.
When Your Child Is a Bystander
Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying.
Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.
Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.
Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
Teen Driving:
Keep Your Cell Phone Off Multiple studies indicate using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk―that’s even when using a hands-free phone. Besides, your state may prohibit the use of cell phones while driving. Many do for drivers of certain ages.
Don’t Text Research shows texting―on average―causes a loss of focus on the road for five seconds. A lot can go wrong in those five seconds. Don’t try the “texting-while-stopped” approach, either. And, when you have your head down, you won’t notice key developments that may occur, even when you’re stuck at a red light.
Turn on Your Headlights Doing so can increase your visibility and help other drivers see you, even on sunny days.
Obey the Speed Limit Speeding causes about 40% of all fatal teen accidents. That’s especially true when driving on roads with lots of traffic or you’re not familiar with. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with traffic if it seems like everyone else is flying by you. Driving a safe speed helps ensure your well-being, and keeps you away from costly traffic tickets that can cause a sharp hike in your car insurance.
Minimize Distractions It may be tempting to eat, drink, flip around the radio dial, or play music loudly while you’re cruising around town; however, all can cause your mind or vision to wander, even for a few seconds. And, that can be enough for an inexperienced driver to lose control of your car, or not notice an obstacle in the road.
Drive Solo Having a single teen passenger in your car can double the risk of causing a car accident. Adding additional teen passengers causes the risk to escalate.
Practice Defensive Driving Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind. Stay a safe distance behind the car in front of you in slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds. A good way to judge a proper distance is to count 2 seconds from the time the front of your car passes where the rear of the car in front of you passed
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.
Location: 400 Block of Alder Road and 600 Block of West Division Street
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer Master Corporal Ryan Schmid Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us
Narrative:Â The Dover Police Department has arrested Marc Cushman, 44, of Harrington, following a drug investigation. The Dover Police Department’s Drugs, Vice and Organized crime unit had been conducting an investigation into Cushman and the sale of Methamphetamine. On August 12th, Detectives executed a search warrant on a residence in the 400 block of Alder Road in relation to this investigation. During the search warrant, Officers located 142.2 grams of methamphetamine, 20 doses of MDMA, CNS stimulants, and over $8000 in suspected drug proceeds.
The ensuing investigation led the Detectives to search a storage unit associated with Cushman in the 600 block of West Division Street. As a result of the search of the storage unit, Officers located an additional 170.4 grams of methamphetamine.
At the time of these search warrants, Cushman was already committed to SCI on separate charges not related to this Dover Police Department case.
Cushman was arraigned on the new charges on August 13th, 2025, and committed to SCI on $50,000 cash bail on the following charges: -Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity -Possession of A Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity -Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance -Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity -Possession of a Controlled Substance (4x) -Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
