DSP News Release: Royal Farms Robbery Suspect Surrenders

Defendant, Charges and Bond Information:

• Deronte Purnell-35 Frankford, De
• Robbery 1^st Degree
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
• Sussex Correctional Institute $52,000

Resume Update 07/19/11:

Dagsboro-Today around 3:45 pm Delaware State Police was contacted by the Dagsboro Police Department with the possible identity of the Royal Farms robber.  The Chief of the Dagsboro Police Department was able to provide a name of a possible suspect after viewing the surveillance photos released earlier today. 

Deronte Purnell-35 of Frankford Delaware was identified as the person who committed the Royal Farms robbery at 2:48 a.m. early Tuesday morning.  Once Purnell was identified as the suspect, Delaware State Police obtained arrest warrants for Purnell consisting of Robbery, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a person prohibited.

During the creation of the robbery warrants Purnell turned himself into Delaware State Police Troop 4 Georgetown Delaware.  Purnell was arraigned and remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $52,000 secured bond. 

Released 07/19/11 9:15 p.m.

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DSP News Release: State Police Probe Convenience Store Robbery 

Location: 

• Dagsboro Intersection of US 113 and SR 26

DATE and TIME:  

• Tuesday July 19, 2011 2:48 am

Victim(s):

• Royal Farms Dagsboro, De
• 21 year old female clerk

Suspect(s):

• Black male, 30-40 years of age, 5’05”-5’08”, 160-180 lbs, shaved head, white tank-top, long blue jean shorts and opened heeled shoes similar to crocs.  Suspect also had a light tattoo on his left shoulder (NFD). 

 Resume:

Dagsboro-Delaware State Police detectives are investigating a convenience store robbery that occurred early Tuesday morning July 19th.  The robbery happened at the Royal Farms located at the intersection of US 113 and SR 26 Dagsboro Delaware. 

Around 2:48 am a black male suspect entered the convenience store and approached the counter asked to purchase cigarettes.  After the clerk placed the cigarettes on the counter the suspect advised he would be right back and exited the store. 

A few moments later, the suspect re-entered the store wielding a knife and demanding money.  The suspect reached over the counter and grabbed an undisclosed amount of money and fled the store.  The clerk was not injured.

The suspect is described as a black male, 30-40 year of age, 5’05”-5’08” in height, a shaved head, wearing a white tank top, long blue jean shorts and opened heeled shoes similar to crocs in appearance.  The suspect may be driving a silver or light tan 4 door vehicle similar to a Honda.

To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police at 302-856-5850 ext 218.

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Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). 

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Tipsters may also call to 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.