Delaware man arrested in armed family dollar robbery in wilmington

WILMINGTON, DE — A 61-year-old Wilmington man was arrested Thursday in connection with an armed robbery at a Family Dollar store that occurred last month, Delaware State Police confirmed.

The incident happened around 3:15 p.m. on May 17 at the Family Dollar located at 1311 East Newport Gap Pike. Police say a Black male suspect entered the store, selected merchandise, and approached the counter while brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. When the employee did not comply with the demand for cash, the suspect fled with the merchandise in a silver SUV.

After an investigation, detectives identified Jay Smith as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody on June 5 and transported to Troop 2 for processing.

Suspect jailed on $55,000 secured bond

Smith was charged with Robbery 1st Degree – Displays What Appears to be a Deadly Weapon and Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, both felonies. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $55,000 secured bond.

The robbery remains under investigation.

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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.

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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