Police say suspect linked to Dover robbery and two similar holdups arrested after investigation
DOVER, Del. — A 67-year-old Magnolia man accused of storming into a Dover gas station with a large knife and demanding cash is now behind bars after police say the robbery ended with him fleeing empty-handed except for a pack of chewing gum.
The Delaware State Police announced the arrest of Donald Johnson Jr. in connection with an armed robbery reported Tuesday night at the Valero gas station on South Dupont Highway. Investigators said the case quickly expanded after detectives learned of two similar robberies that occurred a short time later within the City of Dover.
According to state police, troopers responded to the Valero at 1612 South Dupont Highway at about 9 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a report of an armed robbery.
Investigators said Johnson entered the store wearing dark clothing and carrying a large knife before demanding money from the store clerk.
The clerk was unable to open the cash register, and police said the suspect fled the business after taking only a pack of chewing gum. No injuries were reported.
During the investigation, detectives determined the robbery was similar to two additional incidents reported later that night in Dover.
Working with the Dover Police Department, Delaware State Police identified Johnson as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant.
Johnson was taken into custody Wednesday by the Dover Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service First State Fugitive Task Force.
He was charged with First-Degree Robbery for displaying what appeared to be a deadly weapon, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Aggravated Menacing, and Theft under $1,500.
Following arraignment before a Justice of the Peace, Johnson was committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $127,000 cash bond.
Key Points
- A 67-year-old Magnolia man was arrested after an armed robbery at a Dover Valero gas station.
- Police said the suspect demanded money with a large knife but left with only a pack of chewing gum after the register could not be opened.
- Investigators linked the suspect to two additional robberies in Dover before his arrest by state and federal law enforcement officers.
