Police say two businesses were robbed within minutes before detectives identified and arrested a 67-year-old suspect the next morning.
DOVER, DE — A Magnolia man is facing multiple felony charges after Dover police say he robbed two businesses along South DuPont Highway just minutes apart Tuesday night, using a knife in one robbery and claiming to have a gun in the other.
According to the Dover Police Department, the first robbery was reported at about 9:10 p.m. at the Dollar General located at 282 S. DuPont Highway.
Investigators said the suspect entered the store carrying what was described as a large hunting-style knife, demanded money from an employee and threatened to stab the employee after being told the cash register could not be opened.
Police said the suspect fled the store with merchandise but no cash.
About 10 minutes later, officers responded to D&D Liquors at 1107 S. DuPont Highway for another robbery.
During that incident, investigators said the suspect kept his hand inside a pocket while claiming it was a robbery, leading the employee to believe he was armed with a firearm. Police allege the suspect then reached over the counter, removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled.
Detectives determined the same suspect was responsible for both robberies and identified him as Donald Johnson, 67, of Magnolia.
At about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, members of the Dover Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service First State Fugitive Task Force arrested Johnson without incident at his Magnolia residence.
Johnson is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and aggravated menacing.
His bond was pending at the time of the police announcement.
The charges are allegations, and Johnson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Police say two South DuPont Highway businesses were robbed about 10 minutes apart Tuesday night.
- Detectives identified and arrested a 67-year-old Magnolia man the following morning.
- The suspect faces robbery, weapons and aggravated menacing charges.
