DSP News Release: New Castle Man Arrested in Wal-Mart Robbery 

Location:

·         Wal-Mart, 1251 Centerville Road Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:  

·         Saturday, December 17, 2011 at approximately 3:45 p.m.

Victim(s):

·         36 year old male employee

·         24 year old male employee

Defendant/Crime(s):

·         James J. Howard Jr., 39, New Castle, DE (Photo Attached)

·         Robbery 1^st

·         Possession of a Deadly Weapon During a Commission of a Felony

·         Reckless Endangering 2^nd (2 counts)

·         Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

·         Possession of Drugs not Prescribed

·         Committed to HRYCI on $32,000.00 secured bond

Resume:

Wilmington- Delaware State Police arrested James J. Howard Jr.-39, after he attempted to steal merchandise from the Wal-Mart on Centerville Road in Wilmington.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. this afternoon as a Howard attempted to leave the Wal-Mart with items he failed to purchase. Upon being confronted by two Loss Prevention employees, who identified themselves to Howard, he entered his car in an attempt to flee.  One employee was able to open the door to the car, but Howard placed the car in reverse dragging the other employee before he was able force the car into park.

Once Howard was pulled from the automobile, he continued to struggle with the security guards and produced a pocket knife from his pants pockets.  Howard began slashing the knife about before a third Loss Prevention employee arrived to help subdue Howard and secure the weapon.

Howard was then brought back into the Loss Prevention Office where he was detained until responding Troopers arrived to take custody.

Howard was processed for the above listed charges and committed to Gander Hill on $32,000.00 secured bond

No employees were injured in this incident and all merchandise was recovered.

           James J. Howard Jr.

Released: 121711 2300