Delaware dollar general hit by masked man with handgun
Police vehicle with lights on at a crime scene.

Delaware Dollar General hit by masked man with handgun

Armed suspect storms Dollar General in Townsend before fleeing empty-handed

TOWNSEND, DE — A masked gunman stormed into a Dollar General store on Dupont Parkway Tuesday night, forcing employees toward a secured office and demanding cash before fleeing the scene as police responded to the alarm.

The attempted robbery took place around 9:30 p.m. at the Dollar General located at 4831 Dupont Parkway. According to Delaware State Police, a black male suspect wearing a ski mask and dark clothing entered the store, brandished a handgun, and confronted an employee near the front of the store. He then forced the employee toward the office area, where another staff member was located behind a locked door.

The suspect attempted to kick open the door but was unable to gain access. He again demanded cash from the register but abruptly fled on foot after becoming aware that law enforcement was en route. No money was taken, and no injuries were reported.

Detectives from the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit are now leading the investigation. The suspect is described as a thin black male wearing a black ski mask and dark clothing. Surveillance footage has not yet been publicly released.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective J. Dempsey at (302) 365-8472 or submit tips anonymously via Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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Key Points

  • An armed robbery attempt occurred at the Dollar General in Townsend around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday
  • The suspect fled on foot without cash after failing to access a secured office and learning police were responding
  • No injuries were reported, and Delaware State Police are actively investigating
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News