POLICE IMPERSONATION SCAM

We’ve recently observed a concerning rise in fraudulent activities where scammers impersonate law enforcement officers, including Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police, to exploit innocent individuals. It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams

🔍 How the Scam Works:

Fraudsters often use clever tactics to deceive victims, including:

Phone Calls: They may impersonate police officers or government officials, claiming you have outstanding warrants or owe fines. They threaten arrest or legal action if immediate payment isn’t made.

Fear Tactics: Scammers use intimidation and fear to coerce victims into complying with their demands. Remember, legitimate law enforcement agencies won’t demand payment over the phone or threaten arrest without due process.

🛑 Red Flags to Watch Out For:

Unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment or personal information.

Threats of arrest or legal consequences for unpaid fines or warrants.

Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

🤝 How to Protect Yourself:

Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and verify the caller’s identity by contacting your local police department using a trusted phone number.

The New Castle County Police non-emergency phone number is (302)-573-2800

Never Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information like Social Security numbers or financial details over the phone.

Report Suspicious Activity: Report any fraudulent calls or scams to the appropriate authorities, or your local police department.

🔒 Together, We Can Stop Scams:

Spread Awareness: Share this message with your friends, family, and community to raise awareness about police impersonation scams.

Trust Your Instincts: If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts, and take steps to verify the caller’s identity.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest scam tactics and prevention tips to protect yourself from fraudsters.

Remember, law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten arrest without due process. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe!

SHOOTING INVESTIGATION-FLAMINGO DRIVE

(Newark, DE 19702) Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police are currently investigating a shooting incident in the 100 block of Flamingo Drive. On Monday, July 1, 2024, at 9:49 p.m., Officers were alerted that a 17-year-old male had been admitted to Christiana Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition.

Officers determined that the shooting took place in the 100 block of Flamingo Drive, in the Sparrow Run neighborhood, where they later located the scene. Detectives from the Division’s Major Crimes Unit and Evidence Detection Unit have been dispatched to investigate further. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage/cell phone video about this incident is asked to contact Detective Joshua Smith at Joshuah.Smith@newcastlede.gov or (302) 395-8126.

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

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Extensive Investigation Leads to Drug and Weapons Arrests

In November 2023, Officers from the New Castle County Mobile Enforcement Team launched an investigation into the distribution of large quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine across New Castle County and the City of Wilmington.

The New Castle County Division of Police, with assistance from the Delaware State Police, Wilmington Police Department, Delaware Probation and Parole, the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, identified the suspects as 42-year-old Charles Colburn of Newark, 37-year-old Clifford Reeves of Wilmington, and 34-year-old Marlow Carter of Wilmington.

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the New Castle County SWAT team, Delaware State Police SORT team, and FBI SWAT team executed search warrants at residences in the 800 block of Marrows Road in Newark, the 600 block of West 9th Street in Wilmington, and the 300 block of West 22nd Street in Wilmington. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 9,263 bags of fentanyl, 132.68 grams of xylazine, 605 grams (1.34 lbs.) of crack cocaine, six handguns, one shotgun, and various drug paraphernalia.

Charles Colburn was transported to New Castle County Police headquarters, where he was charged with the following crimes:

  • Four felony counts of manufacture/deliver/possession of a controlled substance Tier 3.
  • Two felony counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
  • Two felony counts of possession, purchase, own or control a firearm/destructive weapon If previously convicted.
  • Two felony counts of possession, purchase, own or control a firearm/ammunition If previously convicted.
  • One felony count of manufacture/deliver/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
  • One felony count of conspiracy second-degree.

Charles Colburn was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to pay $434,000.00 cash bail.

Clifford Reeves was transported to New Castle County Police headquarters, where he was charged with the following crimes:

  • Four felony counts of manufacture/deliver/possession of a controlled substance Tier 3.
  • Three felony counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
  • Three felony counts of possession, purchase, own or control a firearm/destructive weapon If previously convicted.
  • Three felony counts of possession, purchase, own or control a firearm/ammunition If previously convicted.
  • One felony count of conspiracy second-degree.

Clifford Reeves was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to pay $514,000.00 cash bail.

Marlow Carter was transported to New Castle County Police headquarters, where he was charged with the following crimes:

  • Two felony counts of manufacture/deliver/possession of a controlled substance Tier 3.
  • One felony count of conspiracy second-degree.

Marlow Carter was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution after failing to pay a $54,000.00 secured bail.

Charles Colburn42

Clifford Reeves-37

Marlow Carter -34

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