Category: Dover Police News

The Dover Police Department Street Crimes Unit is returning effective Monday, May 18th.  The unit was previously implemented on a temporary basis after a rash of shooting incidents in the late summer/fall of 2014 until the new year.  During that time, the unit made several arrests by taking an aggressive, zero-tolerance approach to all criminal acts.  As a result of four homicides and numerous shooting incidents leading up to the most recent shooting in Capital Green on Friday, May 15th, the department is reinstating the unit effective immediately for the foreseeable future.

Complaint # 50-15-12668

Date/Time: Friday, May 15th, 2015 at 1:53PM

Location:  Alley between Sussex Avenue and East Water Street in Capital Green, Dover

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating the attempted homicide of a 19-year-old Dover man that occurred on Friday afternoon, in the Capital Green development.  At approximately 1:53PM, the Dover Police Department received numerous calls reporting gunshots being fired in the area.  Police arrived on scene and discovered a 19-year-old man seated in the driver side of a gold Dodge Intrepid that had was injured by gunfire.  The victim was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where he was later flown to Christiana Hospital for further treatment.  At this time, the investigation has revealed that Rakim Strickland (25), of Dover, was the suspect in the shooting.  Strickland is currently wanted on the following charges:
-Attempted Murder (1st Degree)
-Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Possession of Ammo by Person Prohibited
-Trespass 1st Degree
-Criminal Mischief

Strickland should be considered armed and dangerous.  If anyone sees or knows of Strickland’s whereabouts, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

The investigation is 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 http://www.tipsubmit.com or through the Dover Police Department MyPD Mobile App.

The Dover Police Department responded to 22 shoplifting calls between Noon on May 7th  and Noon on May 14th.  Of those 22 shoplifting complaints, eight are still under investigation, three were unfounded,  and 15 arrests/warrants obtained were made in 11 cases.  A total of 13 adults and 2 juveniles were arrested during this period.

Complaint # 50-15-12520

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 at 8:54PM

Location:  Walker Woods Development, Harmony Lane, Dover, Delaware

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

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating the homicide of a 19-year-old Smyrna man that occurred on Harmony Lane, in the Walker Woods development.  At approximately 8:54P, the Dover Police Department received a call reporting a sound of a gunshot and a male subject seen lying on the ground near the rear of the development.  Police arrived on scene and discovered 19-year-old Gary Adams had suffered a single gunshot wound and immediately began first aid efforts.  Adams was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries he suffered.  It was learned during the investigation that Adams was enrolled at Smyrna High School.  Smyrna High School administrators have been contacted and will have crisis counselors available to those who wish to utilize the service.  In addition, the Smyrna Police Department has been notified of this matter and has been in continuous contact with Smyrna school officials.

This is the cities fourth homicide in the 2015 calendar year.

The investigation is 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 http://www.tipsubmit.com or through the Dover Police Department MyPD Mobile App.

The Dover Police Department will hold a 3:30PM press conference at the Dover Police Department Public Assembly Room in reference to the release of the video of the incident involving Officer Webster.  Late arrivals may not be admitted into the room in order to limit disruptions.

After a federal judge ruled that the video regarding the arrest of Lateef Dickerson on August 24, 2013, by Officer Tom Webster was no longer considered to be confidential, the Dover Police Department has decided to release the video.   Based on the incident that occurred, which is captured on this video, the Dover Police Department initiated a multi-pronged investigation into this matter.  As a result, in November 2013, the Dover Police Department placed Webster on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation and review of the case by the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.  In March of 2014, the Delaware Attorney General’s Office took the case before a grand jury who did not return an indictment for Webster.  At that time the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware reviewed the case and found that there was not a civil rights violation.  After both agencies conducted their separate investigations, the Dover Police Department completed the internal investigation on Webster finding that his actions regarding this incident were outside of Dover Police Department policy and the department took the appropriate actions.

In June 2014, Webster returned to full duty with the Dover Police Department and was reassigned to the patrol division.  On May 4, 2015, the Dover Police Department learned that the Delaware Attorney General’s office took this case before a second grand jury which indicted Cpl. Webster on the charge of Assault 2^nd degree.  Upon being notified of the indictment the Dover Police Department immediately placed Webster on leave without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case.

On May 4, 2015, Webster turned himself in and was presented to Commissioner Andrea Freud of the Kent County Superior Court where he was released on $5,000.00 unsecured bond.

For more information, please see the previous press release issued by the department here:  http://wp.me/p407do-1CD