Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested two men in connection with a robbery east of Seaford.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at approximately 6:10 p.m. as Troopers responded to the 9,000 block of Middleford Road, Seaford near the VFW for a report of a robbery with a knife. The victim, 46 of Ellendale, was contacted by the first suspect named James “TJ” Ritchie who was in town and wanted to meet with him. The victim obtained a ride to the Food Lion in Laurel in order to meet. The victim entered the suspect’s vehicle to get a ride to a friend’s house in Seaford. During the ride Ritchie demanded money from the victim. When the victim refused, Justin S. Poole a passenger in the vehicle pulled a knife. A struggle ensued as Ritchie made threatening statements toward the victim. During the robbery the suspects were able to get money and prescription medication from the victim. After the incident the victim was able to get out of the vehicle and run across the road to call 9-1-1 to report the robbery as both suspects fled in the vehicle. The victim was not injured.

Troopers located and stopped the suspect vehicle a short time later. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident. Both James “TJ” Ritchie, 27 of Laurel, and Justin S. Poole, 30 of Maryland were transported to Troop 4, Georgetown where detectives formally charged them with Robbery 1^st Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony and Conspiracy 2^nd.  Both were committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $75,000.00 secured bond. (See attached mug shots)

Released: 120516 1531

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