DSP News Release: Two Arrested after Attempted Robbery

Location: 1400 block of Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE

Date of Occurrence:  Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Victim: 

-31 year old Brooklyn, NY man

Defendants, Charges, and Arraignment Information:    

-Tony M. White, 24, Wilmington, DE (Attempted Robbery 1^st Degree, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree)

-Michael J. Bates, Jr, 39, Wilmington, DE (Attempted Robbery 1^st Degree, Conspiracy 2^nd Degree)

Both defendants arraigned at JP Court 11 and committed to the Howard R Young Correctional Institution for lack of $35,000.00 secured bail.

Resume:

Wilmington, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested two Wilmington men after they attempted to rob a Brooklyn, NY man Saturday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, as a 31 year old Brooklyn, NY man had responded to the area of 1400 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, in order to meet two subjects who had agreed to buy a pair of “knockoff” jeans from him. As the victim approached the two subjects who were seated in a green Saturn, he observed that one of them, later identified as Tony M. White, was sitting in the passenger seat holding a black handgun. White then exited the car and pointed the gun at the victim, announcing a robbery and ordering him to the ground. As the victim started to go to the ground, he reached for the gun that White was holding and began struggling with him. At this point, the second subject, later identified as Michael Bates, exited the driver’s seat of the car and began assaulting the victim. However, the victim was able to wrestle the gun away from White and then run across Philadelphia Pike, tossing the gun into the street. The victim then saw a passing Delaware State Trooper, waved him down, and explained what had occurred to him.

As the victim was explaining the incident to the trooper, Tony White attempted to flee in the Saturn, but was stopped by the trooper and taken into custody without incident. Bates, however, was able to flee on foot but was apprehended a short time later by assisting troopers after he was observed attempting to hide in the area. It was learned that the handgun, which was recovered from the roadway, was actually a BB gun.

Tony White and Michael Bates were each arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. They were arraigned at JP Court 11 and then committed to the department of corrections for lack of $35,000.00 bail.

The victim received minor injuries but refused treatment. No property was taken from the victim.

            Tony M. White                 Michael Bates, Jr

Released Monday, October 17, 2011 at 12:00 p.m.