Second suspect arrested in armed grocery store robbery that ended in gunfire in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, DE – Delaware State Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with a November armed robbery at a Wilmington grocery store, charging him with multiple felonies including robbery, firearm offenses, and drug possession.
Charles Carter, 36, of Wilmington, was taken into custody on January 12 following a traffic stop by the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force. Carter was a passenger in a Toyota Camry stopped during an investigation into the November 14 armed robbery at La Oaxaqueña Grocery Store, located at 107 North Maryland Avenue.
According to police, two suspects entered the store around 3:30 p.m. and demanded cash. One suspect pointed a handgun at customers and employees before accidentally discharging a single round while reaching over the counter. No one was injured in the incident. The suspects fled the scene with cash and personal property in a dark-colored sedan.
The next day, Wilmington police located a black Hyundai Elantra with Virginia plates, believed to be the getaway vehicle. The driver, Ignacio Reyes-Hernandez, was arrested and identified as one of the suspects. Further investigation led detectives to Carter, who was the second person involved, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
During the arrest on January 12, troopers recovered 9mm ammunition and six oxycodone pills from Carter. A search of the vehicle revealed 0.68 grams of crack cocaine and a digital scale. Carter was also wanted for multiple shoplifting incidents at Concord Mall and Christiana Mall.
Carter was transported to Troop 6, formally charged, and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11. He is being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $78,280 cash and secured bond.
Charges against Carter include robbery, firearms violations, aggravated menacing, reckless endangerment, conspiracy, shoplifting, and drug-related offenses.
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Key Points
- Charles Carter, 36, arrested in connection with armed robbery at Wilmington grocery store
- Incident involved gunfire but no injuries; first suspect was arrested in November
- Carter faces multiple felony charges including robbery, drug possession, and firearm offenses
