Newark police arrest suspect tied to multiple marketplace robbery incidents
Newark, DE – A Newark man is facing a long list of felony charges after police say he orchestrated a series of robberies tied to online marketplace transactions over a month-long span. The suspect was taken into custody Sunday following an investigation into multiple incidents involving counterfeit money, a handgun, and a knife.
According to the Newark Police Department, the incidents occurred between February 26 and Sunday at locations including the 900 block of Rahway Drive and the 200 block of South Main Street. Victims in each case had arranged to sell items through mobile marketplace applications before encountering the suspect.
In the first reported incident, officers responded to Rahway Drive where a victim completed a sale, only to discover the cash provided was counterfeit. When confronted, the suspect implied he was armed before fleeing.
Pattern of escalating encounters across Newark
Police said a second incident occurred Saturday at the same Rahway Drive location, which was later determined to be vacant. Two victims became suspicious during the arranged sale and began loading their item back into a truck when the suspect allegedly produced a handgun and demanded the property. The suspect fled without obtaining the item.
Key Points
- Newark man arrested after series of online marketplace robbery incidents
- Suspect allegedly used counterfeit cash, handgun, and knife in crimes
- Arrest made Sunday after suspect was found shoplifting at local business
In a third incident Sunday on South Main Street, police said the suspect entered a victim’s vehicle during a planned sale. When payment was requested, he allegedly displayed a large knife and fled with the item.
Officers and detectives identified the suspect through follow-up investigations. Police said he was located Sunday with the assistance of employees at a local business, where he was reportedly shoplifting at the time.
Arrest made after struggle, officer injured
Authorities said the suspect resisted arrest and was taken into custody after a brief struggle. One officer sustained a minor injury and received medical attention.
Police identified the suspect as Zjahmere Walker, 25, of Newark. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly in possession of a handgun.
Walker faces numerous charges, including robbery, attempted robbery, forgery, weapons offenses, shoplifting, and resisting arrest. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #2 and issued $372,000 cash bail before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
