POLICE ACTIVITY IN CROFTON

(Bear, DE 19701) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police are actively investigating an incident in the unit block of Augustine Place–Crofton. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be shared as they become available. Expect road closures and increased police presence in the area. Please use alternate routes and avoid the vicinity.

ARREST MADE IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION-HARBOR HOUSE APARTMENTS

(Claymont, DE 19703) On Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:27 a.m., patrol officers were dispatched to the above area for a shooting. Officers arrived at the scene and located a 35-year-old male who had been shot. The victim, who has been identified as Devontre Taylor of Wilmington, was transported to a local area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

SWAT and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene due to reports that the suspect was seen entering a building in the complex. SWAT and Patrol Officers were able to detain a male at the building who matched the provided description, he was then transported to the New Castle County Police Headquarters.

Detectives from the Division’s Major Crimes Squad and Evidence Detection Squad responded to the scene to assume the investigation. During their investigation, Detectives were able to identify the suspect as 27-year-old Michael Toombs of Claymont, who was in police custody. Warrants were authored for Michael, and he was arraigned at the New Castle County Police Headquarters on August 23, 2024.

Michael was charged with the following:

  • Murder First Degree
  • Robbery First Degree
  • Manufacture/Deliver/PWID Controlled Substance
  • Three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Michael was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and was committed to the Howard R Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $950,000 cash bail.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage/cell phone video pertaining to this incident is asked to please contact Detective Arnold at matthew.arnold@newcastlede.gov or (302) 395-2787.

Tips can be forwarded to:
New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800
Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110
Facebook (IM) “New Castle County Police”
Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 – Submit a tip online at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION-HARBOR HOUSE APARTMENTS

(Claymont, DE 19703) Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred 100 block of Harbor Drive. On Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:27 a.m., patrol officers were dispatched to above area for a shooting. Officers arrived at the scene and located a 35-year-old male who had been shot. The victim was transported to a local area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives from the Division’s Major Crimes Squad and Evidence Detection Squad have responded to the scene to assume the investigation. This remains an active and ongoing investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available.

Detectives have determined that there is no threat to the public, however, they will see an increase in police activity in the area as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage/cell phone video pertaining to this incident is asked to please contact Detective Arnold at matthew.arnold@newcastlede.gov or (302) 395-2787.

Tips can be forwarded to:

New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800

Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110

Facebook (IM) “New Castle County Police” Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 – Submit a tip online at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com