Man arrested for strong-arm robbery outside newark spa, used stolen credit card in wilmington

NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested a New Castle man in connection with a strong-arm robbery that occurred early Wednesday in the parking lot of a Newark spa.

At approximately 12:09 a.m. on July 24, troopers responded to Moon Spa at 1919 Capitol Trail, where a man reported being assaulted and robbed while entering his vehicle. According to police, the suspect approached the victim, opened the driver’s door, and demanded property while implying he had a firearm by wrapping his hand in a cloth. The suspect threatened to shoot the victim and punched him before fleeing on foot with stolen belongings.

The victim sustained minor injuries and contacted police after getting help from a nearby business.

Detectives later identified the suspect as 30-year-old Erik Yancey of New Castle. He was also linked to unauthorized use of the victim’s credit card in Wilmington. On July 25, Yancey was located and arrested by troopers in Wilmington.

He was transported to Troop 2, formally charged, and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2. Yancey is being held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $51,000 cash bond.

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