Current Press Releases

July 20, 2010

THIRD ASSAULT IN FIVE DAYS OCCURS IN REHOBOTH BEACH

The Rehoboth Beach Police Department reports that on July 20, 2010 at approximately 10:25 pm., a 74 year old male subject was walking on St. Lawrence Street near the boardwalk when he was hit from behind by 2-3 black male subjects, older teens to early 20's, slender, approximately 6' tall. All subjects were wearing black or dark color clothing. They were possibly driving a light gray, newer model Chevrolet Impala sedan, tags unknown. The victim was beaten and sustained cuts to his head, ear, elbow, knee, and a swollen and bloodied eye. He was seen by paramedics at the scene of the incident but refused to be taken to Beebe Hospital for treatment. when the subjects found that the victim had no money on him, they left the area. Two other incidents occurring since July 16th are being investigated as possibly connected to this crime. On July 16, 2010, two juveniles, ages 15 and 17, were attacked from behind and beaten, and on July 18, 2010 at 47 year old male was attached from behind, beaten and robbed. All of these incidents occurred on the southern portion of the Rehoboth Boardwalk, and descriptions of the suspects are similar. anyone with information should contact the Rehoboth Beach Police department at (302) 227-2577. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

July 13, 2010

REHOBOTH POLICE UPDATE ON PROPERTY SCAM

The Rehoboth Beach Police Department is continuing to receive complaints about fraudulently listed properties for rent on various websites. the most recent listings have appeared on www.craigslist.org and advertised non-existent properties for bargain prices. the contact states that he is a rental agent for the owner and will request a deposit to "book" the property. the advertisements are well written but email correspondence with the contact contains very poor grammar and punctuation. The contact is using multiple free email services to post multiple listings. the contact requests deposits be sent via Western Union. Again we urge caution when renting a property for vacation and encourage you to use reputable sources and verify in advance, if possible, that the listing is a valid rental property. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

July 12, 2010

FALSE $50.00 BILL PASSED AT LOCAL BUSINESS

The Rehoboth Beach Police Department is asking for the public's help to identify a suspect who attempted to pass a counterfeit $50.00 bill at a local merchant on the Boardwalk on July 12, 2010 at approximately 1:15 pm. The suspect, described as a white male approximately 18-25 years old with dark hair, mustache and goatee attempted to make a purchase using the counterfeit note. the suspect wearing a black tank top, gray shorts and white tennis shoes left the location when the employee questioned the legitimacy of the money and was last seen in the area of Wilmington Avenue and the Boardwalk. anyone with information is asked to contact the Rehoboth Beach Police Department at (302) 227-2577.Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

June 20, 2010

REHOBOTH BEACH POLICE ARREST GEORGETOWN MAN FOR FATHER'S DAY DUI

Alexis J. Hernandez Lopez, 27, of Georgetown, Delaware was spotted traveling west bound in the east bound lane of Rehoboth Avenue on Sunday, June 20 around 3:45 p.m. the vehicle, occupied by three children under the age of three years old and two other adults, was stopped on the second block of Rehoboth Avenue east bound. After an investigation, Rehoboth Beach Police charged the driver, Hernandez Lopez, with DUI, three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a child, Driving without a Valid License, Driving the Wrong Way on a One Way Road, Inattentive Driving and Criminal Impersonation for initially providing police with a false name. Hernandez Lopez was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in default of a $2,850.00 cash bond at Justice of the Peace Court #3. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

REHOBOTH POLICE INVESTIGATE PURSE SNATCHING

At approximately 02:08 am, on June 20, 2010, two female visitors from Virginia were the victims of a forcible purse snatch, while walking on Scarborough Avenue. The two ladies were accosted by two white male subjects, both approximately 23-28 years of age, 5'8" to 5'9", weighing 150-180 pounds. One subject was wearing a white polo shirt and khaki shorts and the other had on a dark shirt and dark shorts. The subjects approached the victims and grabbed at their purses. A struggle ensued, leaving one victim with a bruised eye, bloody nose and abrasions. The suspects were able to leave the area with two large "coach bags", both black in color, one leather and one cloth, containing cell phones, personal items, and a total of $160.00 in cash, before assistance could be summoned. If you have any information that might be of assistance to the police please contact the Rehoboth Beach Police Department at 227-2577. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

June 03, 2010

HIT AND RUN LEADS TO FOOT CHASE FOR REHOBOTH OFFICER

On June 03, 2010, at approximately 8:30 pm, Carissa A. Stauffer of Bellefonte, PA was involved in a hit and run accident at the traffic circle with a vehicle driven by a Lewes man. the driver fled across the canal bridge and pulled into Ice House Liquors where she was blocked in by the vehicle she struck. she then took off on foot and was apprehended by Rehoboth Beach Officers at Church St. and Atlantic Avenue. Ms. Stauffer was charged with Resisting Arrest, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Without a Valid License, Failure to have Insurance, Failure to Report an Accident, Failure to Yield Right of Way and Failure to provide information at a collision scene. She was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $4,000.00 cash bond. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

May 26, 2010

REHOBOTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN TOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT

Four Classes of 2nd graders from the Rehoboth Beach Elementary School spent Wednesday morning touring the Rehoboth Beach Police Department. They were given the opportunity to see the Department's 911 Center; prisoner processing area; officer's report writing area; and a department patrol vehicle. Cpl. William Sullivan, along with other members of the department explained to the children the different types of equipment carried by an officer on his person and in his vehicle, as well as equipment used by specialized units in handling drug arrests; DUI arrests, and other traffic and criminal cases. The students were able to meet "McGruff the Crime Dog" who was visiting the department when the children were visiting. Upon completion of the tour each child was given a Junior Police Badge. We encourage schools to provide these types of opportunities for their students to learn about what a police officer must know and how he completes his daily tasks. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

Officers Hiller and Sullivan with some of the students	An introduction to the Police Department
McGruff shakes hands with the children	Viewing a 911 Center in action

May 21, 2010

REHOBOTH BEACH POLICE SUPPORT THE GUARD AND RESERVE

We recognize the National Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our nation and the well-being of our communities. In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and women of the Guard and Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to response to their community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society. If these volunteer forces are to continue to serve our nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our national security. Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that: (1) We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). (2) Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. (3) We will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police 

May 20, 2010

REHOBOTH BEACH POLICE WARN ABOUT RENTAL PROPERTY SCAM

The Rehoboth Beach Police want to warn the public about a rental scam that seems to be spreading. The scam involves a rental property, real or fake, that is listed online for what seems like a great price. However, the person listing the property is not the real owner and requests a deposit be wired to them. Rehoboth Beach has recently handled several complaints of this nature involving properties within the city of Rehoboth Beach. Rehoboth Beach Police are offering the following pointers to avoid a possible scam. make sure you always use a legitimate rental agency and never wire deposits directly to a bank account. Look at comparable properties online or call a rental agency to verify the cost of comparable rental properties. Also, be careful of property owners using an email address from a free email service. Remember, if it seems too good to be true then most likely it is a scam. If you suspect a property has been listed fraudulently contact your local law enforcement agency. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

May 13, 2010

CLICK IT OR TICKET

Click It or Ticket is a high visibility public awareness and enforcement effort designed to save lives and reduce injuries on Delaware roads by increasing the number of Delawareans who consistently buckle up. The Rehoboth Beach Police are joining the Office of Highway Safety and 29 other law enforcement agencies statewide in this important public safety initiative, which runs from May 23rd - June 5th. During these two weeks, officers will conduct roving patrols both day and night looking for those who violate Delaware's seat belt and child restraint laws. Most of the enforcement will be taking place in the afternoons and evenings when most unbelted crashes occur. Seat belt use is 10% lower at night even though your risk of being in a crash triples during these hours. Also, only 23% of drivers and passengers killed in night time crashes last year were buckled up. The only proven way to get high risk drivers to use seatbelts is through zero-tolerance enforcement of the state's seatbelt law. We're participating in click It or Ticket because with more people wearing seatbelts, more people will survive car crashes. so please buckle up. Keith W. Banks, Chief of Police

May 12, 2010

REHOBOTH BEACH POLICE CATCH BURGLAR WITHIN MINUTES OF CRIME

Rehoboth Beach Police officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress at Olde Salt Gift Shop located in Penny Lane Mall around 2:42 a.m. on Sunday morning May 09, 2010. A vigilant citizen observed a male subject inside the closed store and called 911. Christopher Sands, 23, of Newark, Delaware was arrested by police shortly after the burglary and charged with several crimes including Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief. Sands was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in default of a $3,100.00 cash bond.

May 5 , 2010

A total of 22 Rehoboth Beach seasonal police officers graduated from the Rehoboth Beach Police seasonal training academy on Sunday, May 2, 2010.  These officers received training in various law enforcement courses including Criminal Law, Laws of Arrest, Search & Seizure, Traffic Control, Defensive Tactics, Cultural Diversity, Patrol Procedures, CPR & first Aid and many others.  The Rehoboth Beach Police Department nearly doubles the minimum amount of state mandated training for seasonal police officers to ensure only the highest quality of service will be offered to the public. These officers will begin hitting the streets Friday, May 21st.

Expandable Baton Training			Handcuffing Techniques
OC (Pepper Spray) Training			OC Spray Decontamination

May 5, 2010

Shoplifting is a common problem in the business community, especially in a resort area.  The Rehoboth Beach Police Department will soon begin distributing information to downtown businesses offering tips for the prevention of shoplifting as well as another problem area, employee theft.  This basic information is offered to assist business owners in protecting their inventory.  If any business owner would also like to schedule a private meeting to further discuss preventing shoplifting or employee theft, either one-on-one or with employees, please contact Chief Keith Banks at (302) 227-2577.

April 20 , 2010

Rehoboth Beach Police Dispatchers Matthew King and Dustin Crago both received honorable mentions after being nominated  for Telecommunicator of the Year at the recent APCO awards banquet in Woodsboro, Maryland on April 15, 2010.  The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) covers the states of Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.  held it's yearly awards banquet.  The Rehoboth Beach Police Department is very proud of the recognition of these two excellent employees

RESPONSIBILITIES OF NOMINATED EMPLOYEES INCLUDE:

• Functions as a front line dispatcher or call taker for police, fire, and/or EMS agencies.

• Operates telecommunications equipment to receive emergency and non-emergency phone calls.

• Determines situations from callers and ascertains all required information for dispatch of a call.

• Relays information to a dispatcher (if a separate position) via CAD or manual dispatch cards.

• Operates radio equipment to dispatch first responder units to request emergency services, receives radio traffic from first responders, monitors emergency and support radio frequencies.

• Maintains unit status and practices both decision-making and multitasking skills.

• Operates computer equipment to assist both officers and citizens with the retrieval of information.

• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.

Dispatcher Matthew King						Dispatcher Dustin Crago

April 6 , 2010

On Monday, April 5, 2010 at 2:46pm Rehoboth officers were dispatched to Snyder’s Candy on Rehoboth Avenue in reference to a shoplifting complaint.  The suspects, who were later identified as Phillip D. Allen, 18, of New Castle, and a 16 year old female juvenile, walked out of the business after stealing a small amount of merchandise.   When the clerk confronted the suspects outside of the store Allen then punched him in the groin area with a closed fist.  Both suspects then fled on foot and the shoplifted merchandise was dropped on the ground while the suspects were running away.  Both were apprehended by police a short distance from the business. 

Police charged Allen with Robbery 2^nd, Shoplifting, Conspiracy, Offensive Touching, and Disorderly Conduct.  He was later released on a $5000.00 unsecured bond.  The female juvenile was charged with Shoplifting and Conspiracy.  She was later turned over to the custody of her mother. 

April 5 , 2010

The Rehoboth  Beach Police Department bids farewell to Sergeant John F. Bushey who is retiring in April after 36 years of service.  He was hired in May 1974 and has served as the department's training officer since 1977.  He is well known throughout the law enforcement community by many officers who began their policing careers as summer officers here in Rehoboth Beach.  In 2002 he was nominated for "Municipal Police Officer of the Year" through the Delaware League of Local Governments.  At that time it was estimated that he had part in the training of over 1200 seasonal officers.  We wish him well. 

April 5 , 2010

On Friday. April 2, 2010 at 5:55pm officers were called to the traffic circle on Rehoboth Avenue in reference to a motor vehicle accident.  When officers arrived they discovered that a 2002 Lexus SUV operated by Jami O’Neill, 35, of Glen Mills, PA had driven over top of a yield sign, and crashed into the concrete portion of the traffic circle.  Through investigation and surveillance video obtained it was discovered the vehicle had been traveling at a high rate of speed, struck a curb, and nearly struck another vehicle in the circle before coming to rest in the flower bed on the circle.   

O’Neill, who was believed to be under the influence of prescription medication, was uninjured, although her vehicle sustained heavy damage.   She was charged with DUI-drugs, speeding, failure to yield, no insurance, not having a valid driver’s license, and other traffic offenses.  She was later released on an unsecured bond.

March 5, 2010

Rehoboth Beach Police make arrest after 7-11 store is robbed

While checking the surrounding area Rehoboth Beach officers located a subject matching the suspect’s description riding a bicycle on Norwood Street in West Rehoboth.  James F. Sturgeon Jr., 54, or Milton, was taken into custody without incident and positively identified as the suspect.  The money taken from the register was recovered from Sturgeon’s pockets.  No gun was ever found.  Sturgeon was charged with Robbery 1^st Degree, Theft, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.  He was incarcerated in SCI under a $40,500.00 secured bond. 

September 28, 2009

A 16 year-old juvenile from Milton was arrested Saturday evening after a reported strong-arm robbery on the southern end of the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.  The 18 year-old victim was walking on the beach near Philadelphia Street when he was approached by three black male juveniles.  They asked him a question and he was then struck in the face with a closed fist.  The victim tried to run away on the beach but was tackled.  The suspects then stole his wallet and fled on foot down the boardwalk.  Responding officers caught one of the suspects who was positively identified by the victim.  The two other suspects are still at large, however other arrests are anticipated in the near future.    

The 16 year-old suspect was charged with Robbery 2^nd Degree, Assault 3^rd Degree, Trespassing, and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree.  He was later turned over to the custody of his mother. 

September 25, 2009

On September 25 , 2009 the Rehoboth Beach Police Department conducted a DUI sobriety checkpoint as a part of the Office of Highway Safety's "Checkpoint Strikeforce" program.  During the checkpoint a driver approached who was not wearing a seatbelt.  The driver, later identified as Marilyn Haskins, 57, of Rehoboth Beach, was stopped and contacted by an officer.  The officer detected the odor of alcoholic beverages and administered several field sobriety tests.  At the time that Haskins was being placed under arrest she became argumentative and resisted the officers attempts to place her in custody and into a police vehicle.  She continued to be argumentative and resist officers at the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and at Beebe Medical Center, where she was taken for a legal blood draw.  She was charged with DUI, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.  She was subsequently incarcerated in SCI in default of bond. 

September 25, 2009

Rehoboth Beach Police officers were called to the Shag Restaurant on Wilmington Avenue last night at 10:50pm for a burglary in progress.  A security guard at a nearby hotel witnessed the suspect climb through a window into the business.  Responding police officers found the suspect, 30 year old Scott M. Emory, of Rehoboth Beach still inside and in the kitchen fixing himself something to eat.  In his possession were several bottles of liquor that were stolen from the business.  Emory was charged with Burglary 3^rd Degree, Theft, and Criminal Mischief.  He was incarcerated in SCI under a $1750.00 secured bond. 

September 14, 2009

On August 27, 2009 at approximately 6:00am the Rehoboth Beach Police Department investigated a burglary that occurred at an occupied residence.  One of the occupants awoke and found a small frame black male inside of house, who immediately fled upon being seen.  He was last seen riding away on a bicycle towards the boardwalk.  Several small items were stolen to include several cell phones. 

While investigating the incident it was discovered that the suspect climbed through and entered through an unsecured window.  Several fingerprints were lifted near that window.  Those fingerprints were sent to the State Bureau of Identification were checked through the AFIS nationwide fingerprint database.  A match was made with the fingerprints belonging to a 12 year old male juvenile from Milton, who was now living in the Rehoboth Beach area.  An arrest warrant was obtained and the juvenile was charged with Burglary 2^nd Degree and Theft.  He was arrested and taken directly to Family Court were he was later released on a $1500.00 unsecured bail to the custody of his mother pending further court action. 

August 17, 2009

On Saturday, August 15^th at approximately 4:30pm, a Rehoboth Beach Police seasonal officer was directing traffic near the Rehoboth Beach bandstand.  The officer noticed a vehicle that was stopped in the travel lane which was causing other vehicles to back up in the wrong direction to get around.  The officer approached the driver of the stopped vehicle and told her to move her vehicle.  The driver, identified as 46 year-old Caren Appel of Baltimore, began cursing at the officer and turned her vehicle toward the officer and sped up in an attempt to strike him with her vehicle.  The officer  was able to jump out of the way, however Appel became stuck in heavy traffic further up the street.   Another officer made contact with Appel and she was placed under arrest without incident.   

Appel was charged with Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree, Disregarding a Police Signal, and Disorderly Conduct.  She was taken to Justice of the Peace Court #2 where she was given a $3500.00 secured bond.   Appel was able to post her bond and was later released.   

July 16, 2009

On July 26, 2007 the Rehoboth Beach Police Department raided the business S&S Bargain Attic formally located at 43 Rehoboth Avenue after they were found to be selling counterfeit merchandize in violation of 11 Del. Code, Section 926 – Trademark Counterfeiting.  Several hundred items valued at $260,300.00 were seized to include counterfeit purses and wallets sold under the name of Gucci, Prada, Dooney & Bourke, Louis Vuitton, and others.  The City of Rehoboth Beach immediately revoked the business license and a warrant was obtained for the owner of the store, Samuel Brehm, 43.  However Brehm fled the area shortly thereafter and was believed to be living at an unknown location in Texas.  On July 4, 2009 Brehm was stopped for a traffic violation in Allentown, PA and was arrested on the outstanding warrant.  He has been incarcerated since that time and was extradited back to Delaware yesterday.  Brehm, who is  now living in Allentown, PA was arrested by Rehoboth Beach Police and committed to SCI in default of $4000.00 secured bond. 

June 29, 2009

On June 25, 2009 the Rehoboth Beach Police Department arrested Cheryl M. Benson, 46, of Milford  for stealing over $80,000.00 from her employer.  Benson was the general manager of a local hotel in Rehoboth Beach and as such was responsible for handling bank deposits.  The hotel receives regular checks from the website Expedia.com for online reservations.  It was discovered that Benson had been altering the deposit records for the Expedia.com checks giving the appearance that she was depositing the correct amount in the bank when she was actually shortchanging the deposits and stealing various sums of cash.   When it appeared that Expedia.com was in arrears to the hotel for large amount  of money an audit of the financial records was made by Benson’s supervisor.  This audit revealed that Benson had been allegedly stealing money from the hotel for several years dating back to July 2006.  The total amount reported stolen was $41,854.94.  When management initially became suspicious in April 2009, Benson allegedly went through hotel records and charged a total of 125 credit cards belonging to former guests of the hotel various amounts totaling nearly $40,000.00.  She then credited this money to the hotel for reimbursement for her thefts.  Benson was promptly terminated and the police were notified.  The hotel has since notified the unsuspecting former guests and credited back the amount taken from their credit cards.

She was later released on an $88,000.00 unsecured bail.

June 25, 2009

On Wednesday, June 24th a Rehoboth Beach Police officers stopped a 2000 Chevrolet Lumina on Rt. 1 near the Lewes/Rehoboth Canal when it was discovered that the driver has a suspended license.  The driver, Kyle P. Pianka, 26, of Ellendale was found to be in possession of a large amount of drug paraphernalia used for the ingestion of heroin.  He was also found to be in possession of several methadone pills for which he did not have a prescription.  He was placed under arrest and charged with driving on a suspended license, 2 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic.  He was later released on a $3300.00 unsecured bond.  His vehicle was impounded.

June 15, 2009

On Friday June 12^th at approximately 8:20pm, officers were called to the 200 block of Hickman Street in reference to several subjects shooting at ducks with BB/pellet guns.  When officers arrived they witnessed one subject crouched behind a push holding a BB pistol and attempting to shoot a nearby rabbit.  He was ordered to drop the gun and  was taken into custody.  The other subjects were seen sitting nearby and were also in possession of two BB gun rifles and another BB gun pistol.  They were also taken into custody.  A dead duck was found nearby with several BB/pellet holes in the head and neck.  All were charged with Cruelty to Animals, Conspiracy 3^rd, and Disorderly Conduct.  They were all later released on an unsecured bond.

Arrested were:  Andrew R. Eugene, 18, of Silver Spring, MD : Rodney C. Middlebrooks, 18, of Washington, DC : Karthik Srinivasan, 18, of Fairfax, VA (was shooting at rabbit) : Charles, M. Gibson, 18, of Washington, DC

Just after midnight on Saturday night a Rehoboth Beach Police Officer was on the boardwalk at Wilmington Avenue and witnessed a female subject, later identified as 20 year-old Jenny Edge of Lewes, acting disorderly and cursing loudly and throw some trash on to the ground.  When ordered to pick it up she began cursing and tried to walk away from the officer.  When officers attempted to pull away from officers.  She continued to resist efforts to place her under arrest.  After Edge was taken into custody she was found to be in possession of several prescription pills (pain medication) that were not prescribed to her.  She was charged with 2 counts of Possession of Narcotic Schedule II controlled substance, and one count of Possession of a Narcotic Schedule III Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.  She was later released on a $1250.00 unsecured bail.  A condition of her release was  that she be banned from the boardwalk until the case is resolved

June 12, 2009

On Thursday, June 11^th Rehoboth Beach Police arrested 24 year-old Joseph K. Pyle of Rehoboth Beach for stealing approximately $9000.00 from his former employer.  An investigation was launched after a theft complaint  was received from a local business where Pyle was formally employed in a management position.  Pyle allegedly used a business credit card to rent a vehicle for his own personal use in December 2008 and continued renting the vehicle for several months racking up approximately $7300.00 in rental car fees.  In addition Pyle posted his own bail from a prior and unrelated arrest in early May 2009 with a business credit card totaling nearly $1800.00.  Pyle was able to conceal his actions by virtue of his position in management until an accountant noticed the irregularity.  Warrants were obtained charging Pyle with 5 counts of Unlawful Use of a Credit Card.  He was arrested without incident and later released on a $5000.00 unsecured bail.

June 11, 2009

Rehoboth Beach Police Dispatcher Dustin Crago recently received a Commendation for Merit from Chief Keith W. Banks.  On May 28, 2009 at approximately 11:30pm, Dispatcher Crago was on duty and received a 911 call from a 5 year-old child reporting that their mother was sick and unable to get to the phone.  Dispatcher Crago spoke  in a calm and compassionate manner to the young child and was able to get sufficient information from the child to help their mother while dispatching EMS units at the same time.   Dispatcher Crago was able to keep the child calm and on the phone until the ambulance arrived on scene.  Upon supervisory review of the 911 call Dispatcher Crago was found to have performed above what is normally expected of him and we are extremely proud of his efforts.

June 10, 2009

Shortly after 9:00pm on Monday, June 8^th the Rehoboth Beach Police was called to the ocean block of Wilmington Avenue in reference to a reported assault.  When officers arrived they discovered two male subjects bleeding from the face.  The investigation revealed that 33 year-old John T. Wheway of Greenwood was walking down the sidewalk and bumped into the 54 year-old victim.  Wheway was reportedly intoxicated and words were exchanged between the two, which led into a physical confrontation.  During the fight the victim was struck in the face and knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked in the face, causing serious injury and possible broken bones.  The victim was transported to Beebe Hospital for treatment and was later released.  Wheway received a cut to his lip and was treated and released from Beebe Hospital.  Wheway was charged with Assault 2^nd Degree and Disorderly Conduct.  He was incarcerated in SCI in default of a $3,500.00 secured bond.

June 9, 2009

The Rehoboth Beach Police Department is investigating a felony assault that occurred adjacent to the boardwalk over the weekend.  At 5:30 am on Sunday morning the RBPD was contacted by Nanticoke Hospital in reference to an assault victim that was being treated in the emergency room.  The victim was a 17 year-old juvenile from the Georgetown area.  According to the victim he was approached by a group of several individuals displaying red bandanas and similar color clothing in the ocean block of Delaware Avenue or Brooklyn Avenue around 2:00am Sunday morning.  The victim was suddenly struck in the face with a brick causing serious injury.  All subjects then fled on foot and the victim returned home.  The suspects were described as younger black males with a light complexion and approximately 6”00” tall with red bandanas and clothing, no further description is available. 

Gang affiliation is not known or confirmed, however this incident is being investigated as such.  Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Kevin Jones at the Rehoboth Beach Police Department at (302) 227-2577 or Crime Stoppers at (800)TIP-3333.

June 8, 2009

On June 6, 2009 at 6:44pm officers responded to a report of a fight at a business on the north boardwalk.  Upon arrival officers found a large business window shattered and two male subjects restraining another.  William A. J. Reed, 53, of New Castle, Delaware was taken into custody while officers investigated the incident.  It was determined that a wedding reception was being held at that location and Reed attempted to steal a gift box containing nearly $4000.00 in cash.  When Reed realized that this was witnessed by two individuals he threw the money down and tried to flee.  He was restrained and continued to struggle at which time he went through the glass window causing minor injury.  He was treated and released from Beebe Hospital.  He was then charged with Robbery 1st, Offensive Touching, Assault 3rd, Criminal Mischief, and Disorderly Conduct.  He was then incarcerated in SCI under a $13500.00 bond. 

June 1, 2009

Rehoboth Beach Police have made three arrests after a rash of graffiti incidents in and around town.   At approximately 3:20am on Saturday, May 30th, five people were seen spray painting the High Seas Motel on Christian Street in Rehoboth Beach.  All fled when police arrived on scene and three were immediately captured.  Arrested were 18 year-old Johnny B. Osborne of Newark along with two other juveniles ages 15 and 16, also from Newark.

Osbourne and the juveniles were charged with six counts of Criminal Mischief, Underage Consumption of Alcohol, and Conspiracy 3^rd.  Osbourne was released on a $7200.00 unsecured bond.  The juveniles were turned over to their parents.  The Delaware State Police and the Newark Police were notified so they may take appropriate action for similar complaints in their respective jurisdiction. 

May 29, 2009

Rehoboth Beach Police Dispatcher Matt King recently received a life-saving award from Chief Keith W. Banks.  Shortly after noon on February 24, 2009, Dispatcher King was on duty and received a 911 call reporting a male patient that was unconscious and had abnormal breathing.  The patient's breathing soon stopped and King provided detailed CPR instructions to the caller until the ambulance arrived approximately 6 minutes later.  The actions of Dispatcher King ensured the survival of the patient for further treatment at the hospital. 

May 12, 2009

Shoplifting is a common problem in the business community, especially in a resort area.  The Rehoboth Beach Police Department will soon begin distributing information to downtown businesses offering tips for the prevention of shoplifting as well as another problem area, employee theft.  This basic information is offered to assist business owners in protecting their inventory.  If any business owner would also like to schedule a private meeting to further discuss preventing shoplifting or employee theft, either one-on-one or with employees, please contact Detective Kevin Jones at (302) 227-2577.

May 6, 2009

The Click It or Ticket campaign is a  high visibility public awareness and enforcement effort designed to save lives and reduce injuries on Delaware roads by increasing the number of Delawareans who consistently buckle up.  The campaign runs from May 4th May 30th.  Motorists can expect to see increased traffic enforcement both day and night in the form of checkpoints and patrols as police statewide look for unbelted drivers and passengers.  The Rehoboth Beach Police Department participates in this campaign and will aggressively enforce the Delaware seatbelt and child restrain laws during this period. 

Click on the above logo for information on the Click It or Ticket campaign

May 5, 2009

Twenty seasonal police officers from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department completed their state mandated portion of their training last weekend.  The amount training provided by certified instructors from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and outside agencies exceeded that of which is required by the State of Delaware.  Training topics included criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, report writing, police discipline, emergency care,  drug investigation, weaponless defense, and topics. Training was conducted on weekends throughout the month of April. Some of the seasonal officers will begin their duties as soon as May 15th and the remainder will be on patrol by Memorial Day weekend.

April 27, 2009

On Saturday, 4/25/2009 at 6:40pm the Rehoboth Beach Police Department responded to the newly constructed section of the boardwalk at Wilmington Avenue in reference to a complaint of subjects writing graffiti on the new pavilion.  The suspects were possibly leaving the area and a responding officer stopped them as they were getting in to a vehicle.  After questioning the subjects a voluntary search was made of their vehicle and several pre-packaged baggies of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia were found.  18-year-old David A Warch II was charged with Possession of Marijuana w/ intent to distribute, Maintaining a Vehicle for Controlled Substances, and three counts Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was eventually released on a $3000.00 unsecured bond.

 The investigation revealed that Warch was not personally responsible for the graffiti.  A 16 year old female juvenile was identified as the suspect and was charged with criminal mischief and released to her parents. 

April 20, 2009

Dispatcher Tammy Ketterman of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department has been awarded  the APCO Trainer of the Year for the region, which includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.  Dispatcher Ketterman was a training asset to the Rehoboth Beach 911 Center in 2008.  She started the year working with a dispatcher who had been hired in December 2007 and was able to have him actively taking calls and ready to move with the senior dispatcher on another shift in February  when a resignation resulted in another new person being hired.  She was able to effectively train both of these new dispatchers while still performing her other work tasks including EMD Quality Assurance.  She received our CTO forms to make them more effective and easier to use to encourage better comments and compliance by evaluators,  She assisted two other dispatchers in becoming CTOs to reduce her work load and to ensure the agency's program would continue at the same level if she were to move to a different position.  When an agency is as small as ours, training that is efficient, effective, and well coordinated is critical.  Disaptcher Ketterman's efforts to improve our training program made her an excellent candidate for the APCO Trainer of the Year

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