It is with deep regret that the Newark Police announce the passing of retired Corporal Thomas Scott Smith.  Cpl. Smith retired on a non duty-related disability on March 31, 2016.

Originally from West Chester, PA, Cpl. Smith began his law enforcement career with the West Chester University and West Pikeland Township (PA) Police Departments before he was hired by the Newark Police Department on August 11, 1997.  He attended the Delaware State Police Academy as a member of the 67th Delaware State Police / 50th Municipal  Police class.  Cpl. Smith spent the majority of his career in the Newark Police Department Traffic Unit, where he was a certified Collision Reconstructionist.

In 2008, Cpl. Smith was honored with a Letter of Commendation after he encountered suspects in a residence actively committing a burglary.

Cpl. Smith enjoyed sports and spending time with friends and family.  He is survived by his wife and two sons.

There will be a visitation with family on Monday October 22, 2018 from 5 – 8 pm at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA.  A service will follow at 8:00 pm.

His obituary can be found here: Scott Smith obituary

A donation page for his family has been set up here: Smith Family Fund

On October 8, 2018, a business in the 900 block of Interchange Boulevard, Newark, reported the theft of multiple vehicle batteries from trucks belonging to the business.  The theft occurred over the weekend while the business was closed.  The owner of the business contacted a Newark-area battery company and found that a male and female had recently been at the business to sell batteries to the battery company.

During the course of the investigation, Rolanda Brennan, a 39 year-old white female from Elkton, MD was identified as the female who sold the batteries to the battery company.  Subsequent investigation, including witness interviews and surveillance video, linked Brennan and Arnold Anderson, a 44 year-old white male from Elkton, MD, to the theft of the batteries from Interchange Boulevard.  The value of the batteries stolen was over $2,300.

Additional investigation by Newark Police on Interchange Boulevard revealed a second business whose vehicles had batteries stolen by the same suspects.  The value of that theft totaled over $300.

On October 8, 2018, Newark Police obtained warrants charging Brennan and Anderson with the following crimes:
Theft Over $1500 (felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (felony)
Theft Under $1500
Tampering with a Vehicle (2 counts)

The whereabouts of Brennan and Anderson are unknown.

Anyone with information about their location, or information on these cases, is asked to call Officer J. Lee at (302) 366-7100 x. 3462 or jlee@newark.de.us.

For additional methods of providing information, see our Tips page.

A photo of Brennan is posted below.  A photo of Anderson is not available.

Rolanda Brennan

The Newark Police Department affirms that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.