Delaware State Police
News Release

Arrest Made in Food Lion Knifepoint Robbery

 

Released Thursday, March 19, 2009

 

Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police have arrested William N. Spencer, 33 of Lewes for the recent robbery of a local Food Lion. Investigators received an anonymous telephone call yesterday from a male subject that was claiming his roommate might have been the person who committed the robbery.

 

As detectives interviewed the alleged roommate, they quickly learned he was not responsible because he clearly did not resemble the person depicted in the photographs obtained by investigators of the robber. However, the subject told investigators that we should focus our attention on his housemate, William N. Spencer.

 

Photographs of Spencer were obtained and detectives were able to positively match them to the surveillance photos taken of the suspect. Earlier today, detectives responded to his home in the Breezewood development, which is located in close proximity to the Food Lion, and took home into custody without incident.

 

Detectives arrested and charged William Spencer with Robbery 1^st degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony. He is currently in custody at Troop 4 in Georgetown.

 

Note: Investigators believe Spencer was the anonymous caller that perpetuated this chain of events that ultimately led to his arrest.

 

Prior Release

 

State Police Probe Knifepoint Robbery at Local Food Lion

 

Released Wednesday, March 18, 2009

 

Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery of a local Food Lion that occurred last evening at approximately 10:51 pm. Troopers responded to the business located at 19287 Miller Rd and learned a white male armed with a knife robbed the business of an undisclosed amount of money.

 

The investigation revealed a 39-year-old Snow Hill, MD woman and a 54-year-old Milton man were working in the store when the suspect entered and confronted them near a cash register. The suspect, who is described as a white male, between 25 to 35 years old, 5’07” – 5’10”, 190 to 210 lbs with a full beard, handed the female clerk a note indicating this was a robbery and that she needed to hand over the money.

 

The suspect then verbally reinforced his demands and produced a large butcher knife threatening harm to the employees if they refused his commands. The victims gave the robber an undisclosed amount of money and he then fled the store.

 

Surveillance video is currently not available. When it becomes available, it will be released to the media. Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call detectives at Troop 4 at 302.856.5850 of Crime Stoppers at 1.800.TIP.3333. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-333 3 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.  

 

 

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