Category: Dover Police News

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-29100

Date/Time:   Tuesday, August 28th, 2018 at 9:58PM

Location:   Towne Point Elementary School, 629 Buckson Drive, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

 The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 39-year-old man on Tuesday night.  At approximately 9:58PM on August 28th, officers responded to Towne Point Elementary School for a report of shots fired with a subject lying on the ground.  Upon arrival officers located Derrick Combs who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was deceased.  

During the preliminary investigation, detectives have learned enough information to believe this was not a random act and there is no threat to Towne Point Elementary and have identified a person of interest.  There were no students at the school at the time of the incident.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Capital School District has closed Towne Point Elementary on August 28th, 2018.  For questions pertaining to Capital School District, please contact Candace McCarthy (Public Relations) at 302-672-1500

Dr. Dan Shelton, Superintendent of Capital School District, released the following statement: “… Dover Police Department works very closely with the Capital School District in incidents involving our schools. We have no reason to believe that there is currently any potential threat against any of our students or staff. This is an ongoing investigation by the Dover Police Department. 

In the spirit of utmost caution, Towne Point Elementary will remain closed today, Wednesday, August 29th. 

As you know, the Capital School District takes student and staff safety very seriously and are saddened by the unfortunate events that may take place in our neighborhoods. We also strive to keep our families informed of events in and around our schools. We anticipate when Towne Point re-opens tomorrow, an additional Dover Police presence.”

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 can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com

The Dover Police Department and Downtown Dover Partnership is excited to announce its Third Annual Trick-or-Treat event that has drawn over 11,000 visitors in its first two years.  The event will be held on its traditional date of the Friday before Halloween.  This year the event falls on October 26th, 2018 and will be held from 6pm-8pm.

Streets surrounding Legislative Mall will be filled with police cars, fire trucks, emergency equipment, local businesses, and organizations as costumed children Trick-or-Treat at each display.  Families will have a chance to meet their local police and fire personnel, explore the vehicles and equipment they use, get to know more about local businesses and organizations and what they offer to the community, all while Trick-or-Treating.

There is no cost for any of the events or activities for attendees.  While there is no age limit to attend, we kindly request that only children 13 and under Trick-or-Treat.  Costumes are NOT required.  Attendees are asked to bring their own Trick-or-Treat bags.

The roadways surrounding Legislative Mall will be closed to traffic and parking beginning at 4pm to ensure the safest conditions for attendees and allow them to freely explore all the historic area has to offer.  Streets that will be closed include:
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (North and South) from Legislative Avenue to Federal Street and Legislative Avenue and Federal Street between North and South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Details for parking will be released closer to the event date.

The Dover Police Department is also inviting local businesses and organization to participate in this event at no cost.  For more information about business participation, please contact 302-736-7130 or visit doverpolice.org/halloween.

For more information or questions about the event, please contact M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman at mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us or call 302-736-7130.

The Dover Police Department took custody of Timothy Safford on Friday, August 24th, 2018.  Safford was formally charged with 1st Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony,  Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (2x) and was committed to JTVCC in default of $1,070,000 cash bond.

ARREST MADE: 

The Dover Police Department is announcing the arrest of Timothy Safford, wanted for a murder that occurred on Friday, June 22nd, 2018.  Members of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force took Safford into custody in the 300 Block of Van Buren Street NW, Washington D.C.  He was arrested without incident.  Safford is currently being held pending his extradition to Delaware.  

UPDATE:

The Dover Police Department has identified Timothy Safford (42) as the suspect in the shooting death of Sylvester Lee at Liberty Court Apartments on Friday, June 22nd.  During the investigation, detectives learned that Safford and Lee were involved in a verbal argument prior to the shooting.  While both men walked towards the victim’s vehicle, Safford shot Lee, ultimately causing his death. 

Safford is wanted for 1st Degree Murder, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of Felony,  Possession of Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (2x).  

Safford should be considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with knowledge of Safford’s whereabouts should call 911 or their local police department immediately.  Safford’s last known address is in Dover, DE but is no longer accurate.  

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-20694

Date/Time:  Friday, June 22nd, 2018 at 9:41PM

Location:   Liberty Court Apts, 1289 Walker Road, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 41-year-old man that occurred on Friday night.  At approximately 9:41PM, officers from the Dover Police Department responded to Liberty Court Apartments for reports of a shooting.  Upon arrival, officers located Sylvester Lee (Clayton, DE), lying on the ground after being struck multiple times by gunfire in the torso.  Lee was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:15PM.    

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 can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-28549

Date/Time:   Friday, August 24th, 2018 at approximately 4:00AM

Location:   Dover Presbyterian Church, 54 S. State Street, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at Dover Presbyterian Church on Friday morning.  At approximately 4:00AM, a male suspect entered the church through an unsecured window.  Once inside, he damaged several office doors and shattered glass windows.  Several offices were rummaged through but it was unknown what may have been taken at the time.  Surveillance footage shows a heavy-set black male wearing a cream-colored shirt, blue pants, and red sneakers as the suspect.  

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 can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com

The Dover Police Department and Lowe’s of Camden and Dover, DE is excited to announce a joint community service project at the Elizabeth W. Murphey School.   From August 27th-30th, representatives from the Lowe’s Hero Team, the Dover Police Department’s Police Athletic League, and officers from the Delaware Department of Correction will work together to complete several projects to improve the outdoor recreation area of the Elizabeth W. Murphey School.

These projects include:
-Clearing the baseball/kickball field of grass and weeds and adding a Diamond-Tech mixture to the infield and re-grading the outfield to level the ground
-Clear grass and weeds from the volleyball and horse-shoe pit areas and adding new sand to each as well as building new backstops for the horse-shoe pits.
-Replacing rotting wood trim with vinyl weatherproof trim in the pavilion
-Cleaning and repainting basketball courts (Budget and time permitting)

The goal of the project is to provide Murphey School residents a reason to get outside and enjoy the space and participate in more outdoor activities.  The area will also provide a safe and inviting location for the Dover Police Department’s Police Athletic League to continue its Summer Youth Academy and other recreational activities and events with area youth.

“For the past 10 years, Lowe’s has embraced employee involvement within the community through the Lowe’s Heroes program.  In that 10 years, Lowe’s has participated in more than 1,300 projects nationwide, and contributed more than $1.3 million in materials.

Lowe’s is not just a store in the community, Lowe’s is part of the community.” said assistant store manager Stephen Freeman of the Camden, Delaware Lowe’s.  “This project at the Murphey School will give students a reason to get outside and enjoy the space.  It will also provide a safe and inviting location for the Dover Police Department’s Police Athletic League to continue its Summer Youth Academy.  We believe by working together with the community, we can build something bigger.  Transforming lives one community at a time has been the mission of Lowe’s Heroes since the volunteer program began in our stores more than a decade ago.” said Freeman

The work is scheduled to begin on August 27th (weather permitting).  The project will wrap-up with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 30th at 3:00PM.  (ceremony time subject to change).

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-28224

Date/Time:   Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 9:38PM

Location:   Reed Street at S. New Street

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Tuesday evening.  At approximately 9:38PM, a 45-year-old female was with a group of people in the area of Reed and New Streets when an unknown person began firing a gun in the area.  As the subjects fled, the female was struck in the left arm.  The victim was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital by an unknown person, where she was being treated for a non-life threatening injury.  An unoccupied vehicle that was parked in the area was also struck by a single shot.

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 can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-28187

Date/Time:   Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 4:55PM

Location:   Red Roof Inn, 652 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department and Delaware Probation and Parole arrested 45-year-old Willie Hale on numerous drug charges on Tuesday afternoon.  Officers contacted Hale at a room in the Red Roof Inn at 4:55PM on Tuesday, August 21st.  During the search of that room, officers located the following items:
-222 grams of MDMA
-56.7 grams of Crack Cocaine
-Morphine Pills
-Oxycodone Pills
-Drug Paraphernalia
-3.4 grams of Marijuana
-$9,405 in Drug Proceeds

As a result, Hale was committed to JTVCC in default of $80,200 bond on the following offenses:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver MDMA
-Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack-Cocaine
-Possession of MDMA (Tier 5)
-Possession of Crack-Coaine (Tier 5)
-Possession of a Controlled Substance (2x)
-Drug Paraphernalia
-Possession of Marijuana