Victim lured to Wilmington business before masked gunman allegedly struck, police say
WILMINGTON, Del. — What began as a planned electric bike ride arranged through TikTok ended with a victim staring down a handgun after being lured to a secluded location and robbed of an e-bike, according to Delaware State Police.
Investigators said the armed robbery occurred Friday at approximately 5 p.m. behind a business in the 3800 block of Kirkwood Highway.
According to Delaware State Police, the victim first connected with the suspect through the social media platform TikTok. The two agreed to meet at a location on Maryland Avenue in Wilmington to ride their electric bikes together.
After meeting in person, the pair spent time riding around the area before the suspect allegedly persuaded the victim to travel to the rear of a business on Kirkwood Highway under the pretense of creating videos.
Police said that once they arrived behind the business, a second suspect wearing a mask approached the victim, displayed a handgun, and demanded the victim’s electric bike.
The victim complied with the demand.
Both suspects then fled the area with the stolen bike, according to investigators.
The victim was not physically injured during the robbery.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit has assumed the investigation and is continuing to seek information about the suspects.
Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to the robbery to contact Detective M. Conway at (302) 365-8411.
Information can also be submitted by sending a private message to the Delaware State Police on Facebook or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Police have not released descriptions of the suspects.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Key Points
- Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery in Wilmington
- The victim met a suspect through TikTok before being lured to Kirkwood Highway
- A masked gunman allegedly stole the victim’s electric bike during the robbery