Clay D. Conaway

GEORGETOWN — Delaware State Police said an emergency bond hearing on Thursday set a new bail amount for 22-year-old Clay Conaway, charged with first-degree rape and six counts of second-degree rape.

With six additional rape counts, Mr. Conaway received an additional $240,000 secured bond on top of the original $70,000 secured bond and was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown and ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims or their families, authorities said.

DSP asked anyone with information to any possible additional criminal incidents involving the defendant to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit Detective D. Kristunas at 752-3856. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

Dagsboro Police Department is utilizing a mobile phlebotomy service for bloodwork
required in DUI and related situations. (Glenn Rolfe/Sussex Post)

DAGSBORO — When police are out for blood, time often is of the essence.

With town council’s blessing, town of Dagsboro police now have one-hour, 24/7 mobile service when bloodwork is needed in processing driving under the influence and related incidents.

The service will be provided by Lab at Seascape of Milford through a phlebotomy service agreement with the town. Council gave the go-ahead for that agreement at its Sept. 17 meeting.

“They are available to us 24/7. They will charge $100 per visit. They agreed in their document they will be there to service us within an hour and take care of this. They will bill us monthly,” said Dagsboro Police Chief Floyd Toomey.

When requested, Lab at Seascape personnel will respond to the Dagsboro police station.

Currently, Dagsboro is paying an average of $69 to $79 per blood test in trips to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.

Millsboro Police Chief Brian Calloway said his department utilizes services at Beebe for bloodwork but is considering the Lab at Seascape option as well.

Georgetown Police Department does not contract with anyone regarding bloodwork service, and uses area hospitals for blood draws, according to Georgetown spokesman Det. Joey Melvin.

Chief Toomey said he believes this service will save a good deal of time, man hours, resources and fuel.

“If it can save us one hour in time then it pays for itself. It more than pays for itself actually with wear and tear on the vehicles and fuel expenses,” he said.

Last year, Dagsboro police had about 15 incidents where bloodwork was required. This year, the count is at about a half dozen. Over-and-back trips to Beebe in Lewes coupled with processing can sometimes take a total of four or five hours.

What triggered the department’s request was a DUI vehicle stop involving an intoxicated female driver, a young child and subject who was found to be wanted. Chief Toomey said the town police officer called state police for insight on how troopers would handle this situation and discovered state police have contracted with the Lab at Seascape.

Lab at Seascape was contacted, and they were there in less than an hour and drew blood. “What could have been potentially four to five hours, maybe even more depending how busy the hospital was, ended up being about a three-hour operation,” said Chief Toomey. “I think this is a positive way for us to go unless we have a violent individual.”

MILLSBORO — A 31-year-old Millsboro man was charged with two counts of vehicular assault after he was involved in a crash on Friday and allegedly found to be driving under the influence, Delaware State Police said.

Lamar Finney

Authorities said the incident took place at approximately 3 p.m. when troopers were dispatched to the area of Millsboro Highway and Godwin School Road for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, it was determined that a 2016 BMW was headed eastbound on Millsboro Highway when it failed to maintain its lane. The BMW entered into the westbound lane of travel and struck a 2009 Blue Nissan Altima head on, police said.

Upon contact with the BMW driver, Lamar Finney, an odor of alcohol was detected and a DUI investigation ensued, police said.

The operator of the Altima, a 24-year-old male from Laurel was transported to the Beebe Medical Center with serious injuries. A passenger in the Altima, an 18-year-old female from Millsboro, was also transported to the Beebe Medical Center with serious injuries, police said.

Charges included first-degree vehicular assault, driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, failure to transfer title and registration and failure to remain within a single lane. Mr. Finney was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on $7,002 unsecured bond.

DOVER _— A 47-year-old Dover man was charged with first-degree attempted murder in connection with an alleged sexual assault incident that took place in north Wilmington, Delaware State Police said.

Through investigation, Frank D. Bowden was developed as a suspect, police said.

DSP spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe said the alleged incident occurred on Sept. 15 when a woman and her female friend, were seeking transportation from Dover to their respective residences.

At approximately 10 a.m., while still in Dover, they were offered and accepted a ride from an unknown black male who was operating a black, unknown make and model 4 door vehicle.

After driving north from Dover, the Wilmington woman was dropped off near Wilmington as planned.

Frank D. Bowden

Police said the woman remained in the vehicle in anticipation of being driven to her home as agreed upon. Instead of continuing on to her home, the male suspect pulled in to the Merchant Square Shopping Center in the 4000 block of Governor Printz Boulevard in Wilmington, at which time he demanded sex from the female, which she refused, police said.

The suspect then drove to a secluded area, where he parked and forcibly took the woman’s two cell phones from her possession.

The suspect then forcibly removed the woman from the vehicle and proceeded to sexually assault her.

The suspect proceeded to tell the victim that he was going to kill her, at which time he dragged the woman by her neck and proceeded to submerge her into a body of water that was nearby, police said.

After the suspect had left the area in his vehicle the woman flagged down a passing motorist who allowed her to use a phone to call 911, police said.

The woman was transported to an area hospital where she was treated for serious injuries.

Mr. Bowden turned himself in to police Friday and was also charged with first-degree rape, second-degree robbery and terroristic threatening.

Mr. Bowden was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Rehoboth Beach and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $205,500 cash only bond.

DOVER — The Delaware State Police arrested a juvenile after a shoplifting incident led to the discovery of a weapon.

Delaware State Police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe said the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, at the Valero Shore Stop located at 2636 S. State St. when the store manager advised a subject had entered the store and shoplifted a soda.

The manager advised that on Friday, she observed the same subject in the store. The manager approached the subject to advise him not to come back to the store, at which time he became disorderly. The manager became concerned and contacted the police this time because during the shoplifting incident the night prior, she observed that the subject was armed with a firearm.

A review of the store’s video surveillance shows the subject armed with a black small handgun in his front waistband. Cpl. Jaffe said it also shows the subject removing a soda and leaving the store without rendering payment.

Through investigative measures, troopers were able to identify the suspect as 17-year-old Cristian Andrade of Magnolia.

Troopers responded to a residence in the 1400 block Rising Sun Road where the Andrade teen was taken into custody without incident. Troopers allegedly recovered a loaded Taurus PT-22 Cal .22 LR handgun and a box of ammunition. Cpl. Jafee said it was discovered that the Andrade teen had stolen the firearm from his mother’s boyfriend and altered the serial number.

He was transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with the following: possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by prohibited juvenile, possession of a weapon with a removed, obliterated or altered serial number, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, theft of a firearm and shoplifting under $1,500

The Andrade teen was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Stevenson House on $31,000 secured bond.

MILTON — The Delaware State Police arrested two suspects Saturday after a police chase revealed that the two occupants were wanted on burglary charges.

Delaware State Police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe said the incident occured when troopers where advised that the Fenwick Island Police Department was in pursuit of vehicle in the area of Coastal Highway and Milton Ellendale Highway.

Troopers allegedly observed the vehicle, a maroon 2014 Nissan Altima traveling southbound on Coastal Highway. Cpl. Jaffee said the driver of the vehicle failed to stop for police and continued to flee while committing multiple traffic violations. While attempting to turn left onto Coventry Drive, the vehicle exited the roadway, striking foliage and a bush.

Dallas Hook

The vehicle continued onto Coventry Drive and then turned onto Nassau Drive where it eventually came to a stop due to a police vehicle blocking the roadway. The passenger, identified as 28-year-old Christopher Boone of Lincoln, attempted to exit the vehicle and was immediately taken into custody.

The driver, 26-year-old Dallas Hook of Lewes, remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle yielded 6 bags of heroin (approximately .042 grams).

A computer check revealed that both suspects had active warrants out of Troop 7 for burglary. The burglary incident occurred on Sept. 23 at approximately 9:04 p.m., when Mr. Boone unlawfully entered a residence in the 35000 block of East Atlantic Circle, East Atlantic Apartments, Rehoboth Beach, and allegedly physically assaulted a 28-year-old resident while her 7-year-old child was home.

Police say Mr. Boone threatened to stab the victim and then he obtained a sound bar prior to exiting the residence. The victim proceeded to follow Mr. Boone out of the residence at which time he threw the sound bar at her. Mr. Boone proceeded to get into a maroon Nissan Altima that was waiting outside for him. Cpl. Jaffe said Mr. Boone was overheard telling the driver, later identified as Ms. Hook, that he did not obtain any cell phones. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

Christopher Boone

The two were transported back to Troop 7.

Ms. Hook was charged with the following: burglary first degree, conspiracy second degree, attempt to commit theft, disregarding a police officer signal, leaving the scene of property collision accident, driving while suspended, reckless driving, aggressive driving and multiple related traffic offenses.

Ms. Hook was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Womens Correctional Institution on $8,000 secured bond.

Mr. Boone was charged with the following: burglary first degree, conspiracy second degree, assault third degree, terroristic threatening, attempted to commit theft, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance

Mr. Boone was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $7,601.00 secured bond.

GEORGETOWN — A 25-year-old Ellendale woman was arrested Sunday after allegedly attempting to stab a man with a knife in the McDonalds parking lot, Georgetown Police spokesman Det. Joey Melvin said.

Rykia Weston was charged with aggravated menacing, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited.

Rykia Weston

At approximately 6:30 p.m., police were dispatched to the McDonalds parking lot for reports of a woman attempting to stab a male with a knife, authorities said.

Officers arrived on scene and contacted a woman who was holding a kitchen knife, police said. The woman complied with officers and was taken into custody.

Through investigation, police learned that the female was engaged in a verbal argument with her male partner which escalated, and she produced a knife, attempting to stab him several times, police said. The man was not injured during the incident. Alcohol was a factor in this incident, police said.

Ms. Weston was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of cash bond.

HARRINGTON —- A 21-year-old Milford man died Tuesday when a trailer detached from a truck on U.S. 13, crossed the median and struck the vehicle he was driving, Delaware State Police said.

The incident took place at noon near Tower Hill Road, which closed part of U.S. 13 for 7 1/2 hours as the Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated and cleared the scene, spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe said.

Police said preliminary investigation determined a Chevrolet Silverado pulling a flatbed trailer with a Toro lawn mower on top was traveling north on U.S 13 toward the town of Harrington when the trailer detached. The trailer traveled into the southbound lane and hit the front of the Maxima, authorities said.

The Maxima driver was ejected from his vehicle and struck by a Nissan Rogue traveling south on U.S. 13 in the right lane, Cpl. Jaffe said.

The lawn mower was not secured and went airborne when it hit the Maxima, landing in the right southbound lane of U.S. 13 before sliding off to the roadway’s shoulder, police said.

The Maxima driver, who police said was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Identification was pending notification of next of kin, Cpl. Jaffe said.

A 70-year-old woman from Pensacola, Florida was driving the Rogue and wearing a seat belt, police said. She was transported to Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, treated and released, according to authorities.

CAMDEN-WYOMING – A 45-year-old Greenwood man was shot by a resident Tuesday night while allegedly trespassing at a home on Pony Track Road, Delaware State Police said.

According to spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe, the incident occurred at approximately 9:37 p.m., when troopers were dispatched for a reported shooting. Upon arrival, troopers located a man who had sustained gunshot wounds to his lower extremities.

Further investigation revealed that the wounded man had entered onto the property without permission, police said. An alarm activated in the barn, alerting residents of an intruder, authorities said.

The residents, a 73-year-old man and his 65-year-old wife, went to the barn and found the man, police said. The male resident discharged a firearm and struck the alleged intruder, police said.

“The intruder was transported to a local area hospital where he was listed in stable condition,” Cpl. Jaffe said in a news release.

The two residents were not injured.

The identity of the wounded man and male resident were not immediately disclosed by police.

Attempts to get further information on the incident and location by the Delaware State News late Wednesday afternoon were not immediately successful.

Police said investigation was ongoing and further details would be released when available. Authorities asked anyone with information to call Troop 3 Detective Blomquist at 698-8426. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

MIDDLETOWN — All Appoquinimink School District were placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon as police investigated bomb and firearm threats in the community.

By 2:30 p.m., all schools but Middletown High were able to dismiss students on time after district officials received what as a “reassuring update” from Delaware State Police.

A “staged” dismissal was conducted around 2:45 p.m. at MHS, which was described as “bringing buses on campus to load in a staggered fashion in order to allow police to provide tight security.”

Earlier in the day, according to the district, Middletown High “received a threatening call stating that an individual would attempt to bring a pipe bomb onto the campus.” The school immediately went into lockdown status, officials said, and State Police were contacted.

According to the district, police responded and had “a strong … presence in the area around our school.” The situation was described as “fluid” at the time.

Also, the district was informed by State Police “that they received a call about an individual with a rifle in the community and are investigating.”

As the lockdown was ongoing, buses and cars were not allowed to leave or enter the school campuses, officials said.

The district advised that some bus-riding students may arrive home late, including elementary schoolers who are typically picked up after MHS dropoffs.

All afterschool activities at Middletown High were canceled, including sports, clubs and adult education. Activities at other locations were scheduled to be held after State Police cleared up any safety concerns.

In a message to Everett Meredith Middle School families, Principal Nick Hoover asked parents to “Please take this time to review events from today with your student as well as discuss a plan for what you would do as a family if there was an issue you were faced with.

“Planning and preparation are key to dealing with situations like this.”

All afterschool activities were canceled at Meredith, which the principal explained by saying, “We are sorry if this caused any inconvenience but due to the fact that we were cleared for the lockdown a few minutes before dismissal, we had to make a quick decision …”

Carl Fennell

DOVER — The jury trial of a 73-year-old Dover man accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl he mentored in tennis nearly 30 years ago is set for Dec. 3 in Kent County Superior Court.

Carl D. Fennell was indicted on 10 counts of first-degree unlawful sexual intercourse on Aug. 6 for alleged acts committed between July 1989 and May 1990. The girl was 14 years old at the time, Dover Police said, and Mr. Fennell drove her to tennis lessons at Delaware Technical Community College before the alleged incidents took place.

Police said a now 43-year-old woman contacted detectives with allegations on July 11 to begin an investigation.

Police said Mr. Fennell is a retired Capital School District employee and was working as a private coach at the time of the alleged offenses. In 2015, he was one of 12 people inducted into the Delaware Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame.

A case review was scheduled for Oct. 16 and a final review is set for Nov. 28.

Attorney John R. Garey is representing Mr. Fennell, and Deputy Attorney General Kathleen A. Dickerson is prosecuting the case. No judge was listed in a monthly trial schedule posted Monday.

A $5,000 secured bond was listed for each of the counts.

Mightys Gibbs

GEORGETOWN — A 26-year-old Blades man was sought after failing to return to Sussex Community Corrections Center from an approved work pass, the Delaware Department of Correction said Thursday.

Mightys Gibbs’ whereabouts were unknown and unauthorized at this time, the DOC said. A warrant for escape after conviction was issued.

Gibbs was described as a 6-foot, 190-pound black male with brown eyes and black hair, and tattoos on his left arm, left forearm, left wrist, left hand, right forearm, right writs, right hand, chest, back and neck. His original offense was theft greater than $1,500.

The DOC asked anyone with information to call (800) 542-9524 or their local police department.

Community Corrections Centers are Level 4 facilities where the DOC manages offenders who are transitioning back into the community. These centers are not secured like Level 5 prisons, as offenders are permitted to the leave the facility to go to work, seek jobs, or attend approved treatment sessions.

Marquis Harris

DOVER — A 22-year-old Dover man was arrested in alleged connection with the shooting of two people at a party on Sept. 8, Dover Police said Thursday.

Marquis Harris was taken into custody without incident in the 300 block of East Commerce Street in Smyrna Tuesday by members of the First State Fugitive Task Force. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown in default of $81,000 cash bond.

Charges included two counts of first-degree assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, first-degree reckless endangering and criminal mischief.

Police said two people suffered non-life threatening injuries when shot during a large party at a residence in the unit block of Nicholas Drive. Police said multiple rounds were discharged into a crowd. Officers responded at 2:22 a.m., authorities said at the time.

Juan Carlos Hernandez

DOVER — A 33-year-old man is sought on a second-degree rape charges of a then 6-year-old girl in March 2011, Dover Police said Thursday.

Authorities said the whereabouts of Juan Carlos Hernandez were unknown and he may have returned to Mexico since the alleged incident took place. Police said the girl disclosed the allegations to a school therapist.

Investigation is ongoing and police asked anyone with information to call 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 online at www.tipsubmit.com.

DOVER — A 51-year-old man was arrested on a “first-degree robbery victim is 62 or older” charge Thursday afternoon following an alleged incident in the unit block of North New Street, Dover Police said.

At approximately 2:20 p.m., police said, officers arrived after a 64-year-old man reported that he was robbed. Police said Elwood Jerome Ross allegedly approached the man just outside of his residence and forcefully removed cash from his hand, dragging him to the ground.

Elwood Jerome Ross

The incident was captured on downtown surveillance cameras, police said, and led to Mr. Ross being identified as a person of interest.

A short time later, authorities said, officers in the area located Mr. Ross wearing the same clothing as he was during the alleged robbery and took him into custody without incident.

Mr. Ross was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown in default of $25,000 bond.

HARBESON — A 59-year-old man from Bridgeville was killed in an industrial accident that took place at the Allen Harim Chicken Plant on Friday night, Delaware State Police said.

Troopers were dispatched to 18752 Harbeson Road for a CPR in progress at the plant at 8:54 p.m. on Friday for an industrial accident involving an employee who suffered serious head trauma.

Police said the preliminary investigation determined employee was seriously injured as he and another employee attempted to change the battery on a pallet jack.

The new replacement battery was secured in an electric hoist. While the battery was being lowered via the electric lever the corner of the new battery got hung up on the corner of another battery that was sitting stationary next to the jack.

The employee was leaning forward in attempt to manually guide the new battery onto the jack away from the obstruction. After the new battery cleared the obstruction it continued to lower.

The horizontal block portion part of the hoist struck the employee. The employee was transported by EMS to the Beebe Hospital in Lewes where he succumbed to his injuries.

a 1981 Enstrom FA28C with approximately 15 gallons fuel on board took off from behind the Evans Farms Fall Festival at 9843 Seashore Highway. (Submitted photo)

BRIDGEVILLE – No injuries were reported when a helicopter crashed at the Evans Produce Farm, east of Bridgeville, on Sunday.

Delaware State Police spokesman Sgt. Richard Bratz said a preliminary investigation determined that the crash occurred at approximately 1:37 p.m. when a 1981 Enstrom FA28C with approximately 15 gallons fuel on board took off from behind the Evans Farms Fall Festival at 9843 Seashore Highway.

The pilot, 62 of Bridgeville, reported the aircraft lost power as he cleared the irrigation and electrical lines and proceeded east approximately 300 yards before making a hard landing into the adjacent soybean field. There were four people on the helicopter including the pilot.

The three passengers included a female, 41, of Lewes, and two children ages 7 and 4. They were transported by Bridgeville EMS to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford for precautionary reasons. The crash is being investigated the Federal Aviation Administration.

DOVER – Late last week all charges were dropped against a former Camden-Wyoming Fire Company board member regarding a board meeting on April 23.

A wiretapping charge and two invasion of privacy counts were filed against Christopher M. Dufresne, 35, of Camden, on Sept. 25 after Camden Police were contacted in May by a person whose name was redacted following the meeting, according to a probable cause affidavit. Mr. Dufresne entered not guilty pleas in the case.

On Friday at a Court of Common Pleas preliminary hearing before Judge Anne Hartnett Reigle, a nolle prosequi was entered by the prosecution without prejudice, ending the case.

A condition of no unlawful contact with the Camden-Wyoming FC for 12 months was also set.
Deputy Attorney General Kenneth Haltom represented the state, with attorney Zachary A. George representing Mr. Dufresne.

Camden Police declined comment and referred questions to the Delaware Department of Justice. DOJ spokeswoman Julia Lawes issued a statement that read, “The charges were nolle prossed after an assessment that there was likely insufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof.”

Glen Allen

DOVER — A 27-year-old Magnolia man failed to Morris Community Correctional Center from an approved work pass Wednesday and was sought, the Delaware Department of Correction said.

Glen Allen’s whereabouts were unknown and unauthorized, according to the DOC and a warrant for escape after conviction was issued.
Allen was described as a 5-foot-8, 185-pound white male with blue eyes and blond or strawberry hair, with tattoos on his right arm, right forearm and chest. His initial offenses were theft and criminal mischief.

The DOC asked anyone with information to call (800) 542-9524 or their local police department.

Community Corrections Centers are Level 4 facilities where the DOC manages offenders who are transitioning back into the community. These centers are not secured like Level 5 prisons, as offenders are permitted to the leave the facility to go to work, seek jobs, or attend approved treatment sessions.

DOVER — DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested two Kent County men for possession of a firearm by a person prohibited in separate incidents over the past week, authorities said.

Robert Lowman, 58, of Cheswold, was arrested on Oct. 5 for one count of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited at the Blackiston Wildlife Area. He was was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, where he was released on a $10,100 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.

Joseph Reyes, 31, of Smyrna, was arrested on Monday for one count of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited off Del. 9 south of Lighthouse Road near Smyrna. He was arraigned at JP Court 7, where he was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.