DSP News Release: Suspect Attempts to Rob Two Businesses

Location:

• Express Wings and China Plaza both located in the New Castle Plaza, 216 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, DE

Date of Occurrence:  

• Monday, December 12, 2011 at 9:50 p.m.

Suspect:  

• White male, 20-22 years of age, 5’11”-6’01” tall, 180-200 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt or jacket, a black skull cap, and a black scarf.
• Video surveillance is not available at this time.

Victims:

• 29 year old female employee (China Inn)
• 42 year old male employee (Express Wings)

Resume: 

New Castle, DE- The Delaware State Police Robbery Unit Detectives are investigating the attempted robbery of two New Castle area businesses committed by the same suspect last night.

The first incident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Monday as a male suspect entered the China Inn located in the 200 block of New Castle Avenue, New Castle, DE. The suspect, who was described as a white male approximately 20-22 years of age, approached the 29 year old victim who was standing behind the counter and advised him that he was going to rob her. The victim, however, acted as though she did not understand the suspect. A second employee of the business then approached the sales counter at which time the suspect advised that he was actually there to pick up an order. The suspect, however, fled on foot from the business without purchasing any food.

As Troopers were investigating the China Inn incident, an employee of the Express Wings, also located in the 200 block of New Castle Avenue, contacted them in reference to a second attempted robbery that had also occurred. The Troopers were advised that a male suspect matching the same description as the suspect in the China Inn incident entered the store and approached the sales counter. The suspect then confronted the 42 year old male employee who was working behind the counter and demanded money from him. The victim, however, picked up a bat which caused the suspect to flee from the business without obtaining any money. The suspect was last seen entering and fleeing in a small gray vehicle which had been parked on Kiloran Drive.  Neither victim was injured nor was there a weapon displayed. 

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-834-2630 ext. 6. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).  Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

Released Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 10:35 a.m.