Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Blades– The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit has arrested two people involved in the Tuesday morning robbery of the Royal Farms in Blades.

Shortly after the press release was sent out to the news outlets and social media, detectives began receiving tips regarding the identity of the suspect. Information was also received regarding a female who was driving him and a description of the vehicle.  Around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday August 9, 2016, troopers assigned to Troop 5 in Bridgeville were given this information and observed a white 2009 Hyundai Sonata which is registered to Ashley N. Stephens, 27 of Georgetown, driving in the Seaford area.  A traffic stop was performed and in the car with Ashley was David A. Morris Jr., 33 of Seaford, and Ashley’s 2-year-old daughter.  Both Ashley and David were identified through the tips along with the vehicle information.

Troopers took David Morris and Ashley Stephens into custody without incident and transported them back to Troop 4 in Georgetown.  Ashley’s daughter was turned over to a relative at the scene of the traffic stop. Once back at the troop, it was determined through the investigation that Ashley had in fact driven David to the Royal Farms with her 2-year-old daughter inside the car when the robbery occurred.  David Morris was charged with Robbery 1st, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy 2nd, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $55,000.00 secured bond.  Ashley Stephens was charged with Robbery 1st, Conspiracy 2nd, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  She was also arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $22,000.00 secured bond.

Released: 081116 1215

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**Original Release**

Troopers Investigate Robbery of Blades Royal Farms

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier

Blades– The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit has been requested by the Blades Police Department to investigate the robbery of the Royal Farms that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred this morning, August 9, 2016 at approximately 2:23 a.m., as a male suspect entered the Royal Farms located at 8800 Concord Road. The suspect confronted a male employee of the business and demanded money. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect then exited the business and fled in an unknown direction. The employee was not injured.

The suspect was described as a white male, 5’08”-5’09” tall, weighed 150-170 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black and red baseball hat, grey t-shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers, and had a black scarf covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available.

Surveillance photos attached.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective J. Jones at 302-752-3795. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 080916 0920

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