Police & Fire

Change thieves strike Bethany Beach

The Bethany Beach Police Department (BBPD) is investigating more than 100 parking meter break-ins around town, and the loss of an estimated $5,000 in stolen coins.

According to police, the incidents took place between Saturday night, Aug. 6 and Sunday morning, Aug. 7, at parking meters on Third, Fourth and Cedarwood streets, Ocean View Parkway and Atlantic Avenue.

The subjects used at least three keys to break in, and did not damage any of the meters.

The BBPD reported a similar incident on Sunday morning at the Bethany Beach Laundry & Dry Cleaners (Route 26). Two individuals, again using a key, broke into one of the laundry machines, stealing approximately $30.

Police had a preliminary description of the suspects — one being a white female, the other a white male in his twenties, bald, between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-11.

At the time of the burglary, the male suspect was wearing a black T-shirt, baggy jean shorts and yellow work boots, and again this was on the morning of Sunday, Aug. 7.

Police asked anyone with information to call Cpl. Robertson at the BBPD, 539-1000.

Police search for clues in burglary

Ocean View police responded to a call from Country Estates on Saturday, July 30, regarding a burglary. Police said an unknown suspect had entered a home on Winchester Drive and removed $1,150 in cash from a bedroom.

No suspects have been identified, and they are continuing their investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 539-1111.

Ocean View hosts driving checkpoint

The Ocean View Police Department (OVPD) reported on action at the summer’s latest drunk-driving checkpoint, as the multi-agency Checkpoint Strike Force settled in the OVPD’s own backyard.

Nearly 1,300 vehicles passed through between 10 p.m. Saturday night, Aug. 6, and 2 a.m. Sunday morning (Aug. 7)., and police made three Driving under the Influence (DUI) arrests.

They also arrested Pennsylvania resident Marie C. Erdman on various drug charges, after a Bridgeville police officer working with the multi-agency unit smelled marijuana as Erdman’s truck rolled past.

Erdman appeared disoriented during questioning, and subsequently failed field tests, police said. OVPD’s K-9 team swept around the vehicle, and K-9 Caro raised an alert by the driver’s door.

Police searched the vehicle and discovered nearly two-and-a-half ounces of marijuana, plus drug paraphernalia. They charged Erdman with DUI (drugs) and possession with intent to deliver a non-narcotic schedule 1 substance (marijuana), among seven charges in total.

Erdman was arraigned at J.P. Court #3 in Georgetown and released on unsecured bond, but was scheduled to reappear for preliminary hearing in the Court of Common Pleas on Aug. 11.

Checkpoint Strike Force is a multi-state crackdown on impaired drivers, coordinated locally by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, and OVPD’s Chief Ken McLaughlin commands the local multi-agency unit.

Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia are conducting weekly DUI checkpoints as well.

Frankford to host benefit for former fire chief

The Frankford Volunteer Fire Company will host a “Beef-N-Beer” on Saturday, Aug. 13, beginning at 5 p.m.

The event will benefit the family of Past Chief Bill Banks. He passed away on July 1 following a brief battle with cancer.

Banks served as a Frankford firefighter for 21 years, 1984-2005, and as chief for three separate one-year stints.

In addition to the barbeque, there will be an outdoor concert with North Carolina-based country music band Dakkota (local Andy Timmons on lead guitar). Rain or shine, gates open at 5 p.m., the concert starts at 7 p.m. (til 11 p.m.). Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a blanket or two.

Tickets cost $30 in advance (call the fire hall at 732-9492) or $35 at the door.