NEWARK, Del. — A Newark man was arrested after a shoplifting incident at a local smoke shop escalated into a robbery when he allegedly assaulted an employee while attempting to flee with stolen merchandise, Delaware State Police said.
Troopers responded around 3:53 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, to King Smoke Shop at 4614 Ogletown Stanton Road following reports of a robbery. Investigators said the suspect, Daquan Christy, 31, initially inquired about products before grabbing merchandise and attempting to leave without paying.
When an employee tried to stop him, Christy allegedly punched the worker multiple times, sparking a physical altercation that continued into the parking lot. The suspect ultimately fled northbound on foot with the stolen items.
Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement officers assisted troopers in canvassing the area and quickly located Christy in a nearby park. He was taken into custody without incident, and the stolen merchandise was recovered.
Christy was transported to Troop 2, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $3,000 secured bond.
