Smyrna Police arrest 2 men for heroin and firearm

Tyler Scott

Tyler Scott

Malik Rothwell

Malik Rothwell

 

Smyrna Police patrol officers recently arrested two local men for possessing a large amount of heroin as well as an illegal firearm.  On Friday June 8th at approximately 2 p.m. an alert resident in the Green Meadows neighborhood called SPD after observing what they believed to be hand to hand drug activity in the area of the park (N Albright Drive).  Responding officers were provided with a detailed description of the suspects and upon their arrival made contact with Tyler Scott, 19 of Dover, DE and Malik Rothwell, 22 of Clayton, DE inside of a vehicle.  After observing evidence of drug activity, officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle that the suspects occupied.  Officers recovered 545 bags of heroin (estimated weight of approx. 3.8 grams) as well as a fully loaded 9mm handgun and approx. $1200 in suspected drug proceeds hidden inside of the vehicle.  Both suspects were arrested and transported to SPD where they were charged with Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Possession of a controlled substance (heroin) in a tier 3 quantity, Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (previous felony conviction), Carrying a concealed deadly weapon, Possession of ammunition by a person prohibited (previous felon), Mr. Scott was additionally charged with Conspiracy 2nd.  Both suspects were arraigned via video court in JP #2.  Mr. Scott was committed to D.O.C. in lieu of $63,000 secured bond and Mr. Rothwell was committed to D.O.C. in lieu of $62,000 secured bond.  The SPD would like to thank the alert resident who said something when they saw something, allowing us to take dangerous armed drug dealers off of the street.

Smyrna Police arrest local teen for convenience store burglary

126 s dupont

SPD detectives have arrested and charged a 17 year old from Clayton, Delaware following a burglary investigation.  On 5/2/19, SPD patrol officers responded to the Gas and Go located at 126 S Dupont Blvd in regards to the store owner observing via remote surveillance footage a possible burglary which had just occurred.  Upon arrival to the scene, patrol officers confirmed the incident.  Investigation revealed that the Suspect broke the front glass door with a rock, entered the business and removed goods from within and then fled the scene on foot.  After reviewing surveillance footage, patrol officers recognized the Suspect as being someone they had just encountered on a separate complaint hours prior.  This information led to identifying the 17 year old from Clayton.  The suspect was taken into custody on 5/3/19 without incident and charged with Burglary 3rd, Theft and Criminal Mischief.  The suspect was turned over to the custody of their parent pending a future hearing in Kent County Family Court.

Smyrna Police make arrests in Sunnyside Village shooting

Cardin Qualls

Cardin Qualls

 

Tynequa Qualls

Tynequa Qualls

 

SPD detectives have identified and arrested the shooter from the incident occurring on 4/18/19 in Sunnyside Village.  On Monday, 4/22/19 detectives took Cardin Qualls, 28 of Smyrna into custody without incident.  Investigation revealed that Mr. Qualls and a victim who resides on Dairy Drive engaged in a verbal argument which escalated when Mr. Qualls returned to the residence armed with a handgun and fired shots at the occupants of the home.  Mr. Qualls then fled the scene with a small child in his car who witnessed the incident.  Detectives were significantly aided in their investigation by surrounding neighbors and witnesses who provided surveillance footage and witness statements.  Search warrants were secured for Mr. Qualls home and vehicle in reference to this incident.  While attempting to execute these search warrants, Mr. Qualls wife Tynequa Qualls, 30 of Smyrna attempted to prevent investigators from obtaining evidence.  Ms. Qualls was subsequently also arrested and during her arrest resisted officers attempts to place her into a secure holding area.  Both Suspects were presented via video court in Justice of the Peace Court #2. Mr. Qualls was charged with the following; Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, (7) counts of Reckless endangering 1st degree, Terroristic threatening, Endangering the welfare of a child, and Criminal mischief.  Ms. Qualls was charged with Hindering prosecution, and Resisting arrest. Mr. Qualls was subsequently committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $83,100 cash only bond pending a future court hearing.  Ms. Qualls was released on her own recognizance.  The Smyrna Police Department would like to thank all of those who came forward with information to assist us in making their neighborhood safer by concluding this case with arrests.

Smyrna Police investigating shooting incident

600 block Dairy Drive

600 block Dairy Drive

 

**UPDATE, Suspect arrested on 4/22/19**

SPD detectives are actively working to identify the suspect(s) involved in a late afternoon shooting incident.  On Thursday April 18th, at approximately 5:40 pm SPD patrol division officers were alerted to a drive-by shooting which had just occurred in the 600 block of Dairy Drive (Sunnyside Village).  Responding officers located a vehicle which had been damaged by a bullet.  Further investigation has revealed this shooting was the result of an argument between known parties, with the suspect(s) returning to the neighborhood armed with a firearm in a vehicle and firing at an occupied dwelling.  At this time, SPD detectives are receiving very limited cooperation from the alleged victim in this case.  More information about this incident/investigation will be released as it becomes available. Any person(s) with information or video of the incident are encouraged to contact SPD Det. Bill Davis at 302-653-9217.  Tipsters may remain anonymous.

SPD hosting 2019 Junior Police Academy

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting another Junior Police Academy this summer.  The academy will run from 7/8 through 7/19.  Applications are due by June 10th.  Please see the flyer for more details, also see the attached application.  Applications may be dropped off at SPD or emailed.  Questions may be directed to Detective Carrigan @ michael.carrigan@cj.state.de.us

Junior Police Academy flyer

2019 JPA Application

SPD arrests local man for burglary after significant help from local residents

Brian Sadler, 18

Brian Sadler, 18

Smyrna Police investigators have charged a local man with burglary after a recent daytime break-in.  On Tuesday 3/12/19 at approximately 11:20 a.m., Officers responded to the 300 block of E Frazier St after a resident reported seeing a young black male entering his rear window.  Officers were told that the suspect fled the home on foot after being confronted by the homeowner.  An SPD K9 team conducted a track for the suspect and detectives located latent evidence at the scene.  In the days following, detectives received significant help from local residents who provided witness statements and home surveillance footage of the suspect in the area.  Detectives were able to positively identify Brian Sadler, 18 of Smyrna as the perpetrator in this incident.  On 3/18/19 a search warrant was conducted of Mr. Sadler’s residence in the 900 block of Alexandria Way.  Detectives took Mr. Sadler into custody without incident and located the clothing he was wearing during the burglary.  Mr. Sadler was charged with Burglary 2nd degree, he was arraigned via video court in JP #2 where he was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $5,000 cash bond.  Detectives would like to thank the many residents who assisted us, as their help was instrumental in solving this case.

SPD hosting 2019 Easter egg hunt

easter bunny

The Smyrna PD is excited to announce that we will again be hosting our annual Easter egg hunt. This year’s event will be held on 4/6/19 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the George Wright Municipal park.  The rain/makeup date is 4/13/19 from 12-1.  There will be egg hunts for ages 1-8, face painting, arts and crafts and visits with the Easter bunny.  This event is free, however a ticket is required for entry.  Please see the website link on the below flyer for instructions on getting your free ticket.
Easter Flyer 2019

SPD hosting 2019 Citizen’s Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is an exciting way to learn about police work. Through a well-prepared curriculum, taught once a week for ten weeks, students will learn about the various aspects of police operations. Academy participants will meet many of the men and women who serve in Smyrna Police Department as they explain the roles of police officers, investigators, and administrators. Participants will also learn how officers are trained, and how every citizen can help protect themselves and their community against crime.

An important and exciting phase of the program is providing participants with the opportunity to leave the classroom and participate in many of the practical exercises. This experience will give the participants a first-hand look at the dynamic world of policing in the twenty-first century.

 

  1. Applications may be obtained online (website) or in the front lobby 24/7 and must submitted by Friday, April 5, 2019 by 4 p.m.
  2. Applicants must be 18 years of age before start of program to attend.
  3. Applicants will be required to complete a physical form signed by a licensed physician, applicant participation in any physical activity will be optional but completion of this form is not.
  4. The CPA does not have any specific physical fitness requirement; however applicants may be exposed to situations or scenarios where they would be placed under varying levels of stress and asked to perform a physical task. Applicants have the choice to participate or observe.
  5. All applicants will be subject to a cursory criminal history review. All prior convictions and charges will be reviewed; a lengthy history of criminal activity and/or violent felony activity may result in disqualification.
  6. Applicants who either live or work within the Town of Smyrna will be given priority acceptance into the program but all interested persons are encouraged to apply.
  7. Applicants will be expected to attend the program in its entirety, we understand life happens and situations may arise outside your control, but applicants will be expected to make every effort to attend each class.
  8. Classes will be held on mostly on Monday evenings at the Smyrna Police Department at 6 p.m. and conclude at approximately 9 p.m.
  9. Anticipated class dates are April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20, 28 (Tuesday); June 3, 17, 24 and July 1.

 

The Program will cover all aspects of policing and provide attendees an introduction or overview of what it is our department does and all that we offer our community.  Any questions may be directed to Corporal Brandon Dunning; brandon.dunning@cj.state.de.us, 302-653-9217 (ask to speak with Cpl Dunning)

Here is the information packet and application;
Citizens Police Academy application

 

Smyrna Police make arrest in late January armed robbery

Joshua Brown

Joshua Brown

Detectives have charged a local man with an armed robbery that occurred in late January.  On 1/23/19 at approximately 8 p.m., SPD patrol officers responded to the 400 block of W Mt Vernon St for a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred.  Investigation revealed that a delivery driver employed by Pat’s Select had arrived at this location to make a food delivery.  While doing so, the driver was approached by a black male wearing a mask and armed with a knife who demanded money and property from him.  After receiving a sum of cash, the suspect fled on foot.  Through various investigative measures, detectives were able to identify Joshua Brown, 29 of Smyrna as the suspect who placed the delivery order and also robbed the driver.  On 3/4/19, Mr. Brown was arrested without incident and presented at JP #2 via video phone on charges of Robbery 1st, Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony. Mr. Brown was remanded to the custody of the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $86,000 secured bond.

Smyrna Police arrest teen with concealed stolen handgun

699 s carter

SPD patrol officers arrested a local teen who was carrying a concealed handgun in his waistband that was later found to be stolen.  On Saturday 3/2/19 at approximately 1:45 p.m., patrol officers were alerted to a shoplifting that had just occurred at the Wawa located at 500 Jimmy Dr.  Responding officers were provided with a detailed description of the suspect and his direction of travel.  Officers located a 17 year old male from Smyrna walking in the area of 699 S Carter Rd that matched the suspect description.  This suspect was stopped and detained, during his detention; Officers recovered a loaded .380 caliber pistol concealed in his waist band.  Surveillance footage from Wawa later confirmed that this suspect had shoplifted food items minutes earlier.  Investigation revealed that this handgun was reported stolen to Delaware State Police Troop 7 in April of 2018.  The suspect was presented in person at JP #7 on charges of Possession of a firearm by person prohibited (juvenile adjudicated delinquent of a felony), Possession of ammunition by a person prohibited (juvenile adjudicated delinquent of a felony), Carrying a concealed deadly weapon, Receiving a stolen firearm, Shoplifting under $1500.  The suspect was committed to the Stevenson Detention Center in lieu of $9,000 secured bond.