Police say 14-year-old suspect was captured after investigators recovered a loaded handgun during a hotel search
DOVER, DE — A teenager accused of robbing a person selling candy at gunpoint in a Wilmington shopping center parking lot is now in custody after Delaware State Police say investigators tracked him to a Newark hotel and recovered a loaded handgun.
The robbery occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on June 29 at a shopping center in the 3100 block of Kirkwood Highway.
According to Delaware State Police, the victim was walking through the parking lot selling candy when an unknown suspect approached and demanded the victim’s property.
When the victim initially refused, the suspect allegedly displayed a handgun. Police said the victim then surrendered the property, and the suspect fled the area. The victim was not injured.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation and identified the suspect as a 14-year-old male from Newark.
Detectives determined the teen was living at a hotel in the 1100 block of South College Avenue in Newark. Investigators also learned he was on probation following a felony adjudication stemming from a stolen motor vehicle investigation.
On Thursday, July 23, detectives, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service First State Fugitive Task Force, took the teen into custody without incident at the hotel.
During the execution of a search warrant, detectives recovered a loaded handgun and additional evidence that police said linked the suspect to the robbery.
The juvenile was taken to Troop 2 and charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited following a delinquency adjudication, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
He was arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families on a $120,000 cash bond.
Because the suspect is a juvenile, Delaware State Police did not release his identity.
The charges are allegations, and the juvenile is presumed innocent unless and until proven delinquent in court.
Key Points
- A 14-year-old was arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a Wilmington shopping center.
- Police say the victim was selling candy when the suspect allegedly displayed a handgun and stole property.
- Detectives recovered a loaded handgun after locating the suspect at a Newark hotel.
