DSU receives two grants in support of its R1 goals

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Delaware State Police promotes Captain J. Andrew Lloyd to Major
The Delaware State Police announced the promotion of Captain J. Andrew Lloyd to the rank of Major, which went into effect on June 27, 2025. Major Lloyd now serves as the New Castle County Operations Officer, bringing over two decades of law enforcement experience to his new leadership role. “This will continue to strengthen the Delaware State Police,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. Major Lloyd began his career as a patrol trooper at Troops 6 and 7 and was later promoted to Sergeant at Troop 9. He went on to supervise the Criminal Investigations Unit at Troop 2, overseeing both the Drug Unit and the Property Crimes Unit. His work included a high-profile joint investigation with the New Castle County Police Department, Wilmington Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. That investigation led to the disruption of one of Delaware’s largest heroin distribution networks. He also led investigations into firearms and racketeering crimes, collaborated with federal partners, and was recognized as an expert in Superior Court. In 2019, Lloyd became a Lieutenant at Troop 9, where he led 35 sworn troopers and civilian staff while working closely with government agencies and civic groups. That same year, he received international recognition with the 2019 IACP 40 Under 40 award, honoring him as one of the world’s top law enforcement leaders under the age of 40. RELATED STORY: Delaware State Police Major Peter Sawyer retires after more than 30 years of service From 2021 to 2024, Lloyd served as Director of the State Bureau of Identification. During his tenure, he modernized background checks, enhanced fingerprint digitization, negotiated key contracts, and strengthened Delaware’s participation in the National Fingerprint File. He also led the division’s largest civilian workforce and supported public security legislation. Most recently, Lloyd commanded nearly 100 troopers and civilian staff as the Commander of Troop 3. Under his leadership, the troop expanded its proactive enforcement efforts and enhanced community partnerships to support crime-reduction initiatives. He also managed the Delaware State Police’s operational response to major events, including NASCAR and the Phish Festival, and oversaw the implementation of a high-risk violent offender program. Lloyd holds both a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wilmington University, with a graduate specialization in Homeland Security. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 289. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Major Lloyd has volunteered for over a decade as a youth basketball, softball, and Little League coach. He continues to support Special Olympics Delaware and has served on several DSP committees, including as Chair of the Wellness Committee and Co-Chair of the Events Committee for the agency’s 100th Anniversary Planning Committee. The Delaware State Police congratulated Major Lloyd on the promotion in a statement: “Delaware State Police congratulates Andrew Lloyd for this well-deserved promotion. We look forward to seeing him continue to serve the Delaware people.”
Mother charged after false kidnapping report that triggered Amber Alert for 3-year-old Nola Dinkins
A Newark woman has been arrested and charged with filing a false report after allegedly fabricating the kidnapping of her 3-year-old daughter, Nola Dinkins, which prompted an Amber Alert and multi-agency overnight search. On Tuesday evening, police responded to the 500 block of Gender Road after 31-year-old Darrian Randle reported that Nola had been abducted at gunpoint by an unknown white male. According to Randle, the man approached her vehicle with a handgun and took the child, fleeing in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female. READ: UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled; case now a homicide investigation That account led authorities to issue an Amber Alert and launch an intensive investigation involving the New Castle County Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the FBI. But detectives later determined that Randle’s story was false. The Amber Alert was canceled Wednesday, and the case has now been turned over to the Maryland State Police as a homicide investigation. Randle was taken into custody during interviews at New Castle County Police Headquarters. She has been charged with one count of felony falsely reporting an incident. She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $1 million cash bail.
UPDATE: Amber Alert canceled; case now a homicide investigation
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED The Amber Alert issued Tuesday evening for 3-year-old Nola Dinkins has been canceled, and the case is now being investigated as a homicide, according to New Castle County Police. The alert was issued after Nola’s mother reported that an unknown white male armed with a handgun had abducted the child from her vehicle on the 500 block of Gender Road in Newark. She told police she had pulled over to comfort her daughter when the man approached, took Nola, and fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female. Following an overnight investigation involving the New Castle County Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the FBI, detectives determined the mother’s initial account was false. “There is no danger to the public,” police said in a statement. “Sadly, this incident is now being treated as a homicide investigation by the Maryland State Police.” Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding Nola’s whereabouts or any arrests made. New Castle County Police said they are continuing to work closely with the FBI and Maryland State Police, who are now leading the investigation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

DSU receives two grants in support of its R1 goals

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