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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


Troopers Investigate Robbery and Assault


Date Posted: Monday, May 15th, 2017

7-11 284 Christiana Road.jpg

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle (19720) – Delaware State Police are currently investigating the robbery of a New Castle area 7-11 in which a female employee was assaulted that occurred early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning, Monday, May 15, 2017, as a male suspect entered the 7-11 located at 284 Christiana Road. The suspect approached the sales counter where he then displayed a knife and confronted a female clerk. The suspect then demanded money and cigarettes from the employee. The clerk complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes to him. The suspect then proceeded to physically and sexually assault the female clerk. He then began to exit the store, however, prior to leaving, the suspect attempted to obtain money from a female customer who had entered the 7-11. The customer refused to comply with the suspect’s demand at which time he exited the store and was last seen fleeing in a westbound direction through the parking lot.

The female clerk was treated at the scene by EMS. She was then transported to a local hospital where she was treated for her non-life threatening injuries. The female customer was not injured.

The suspect was described as a black male. He was 5’10”- 6’00” tall, with a large build and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket or sweatshirt, black pants, black boots, and a ski mask. There is no further physical or clothing description available. No video surveillance photos are available to be released at this time.

The Delaware State Police would like to remind the business community that robbery prevention is something business owners need to cover with new hires as well as current employees on a regular basis.

Anytime there is money in a place, there is a chance that someone will want that money, and is willing to use force to get it. You can take some simple steps to help reduce the chances that you, or your business, will be robbed. There is no way to fully prevent robbery, but you can reduce the odds of becoming a victim. 

Methods for Discouraging a Robber

  • Lock unused doors.
  • Avoid working alone. If you must work alone, turn on a radio or TV so robbers will think there is someone with you.
  • Vary the schedule and route you take for your bank deposits each day, keep only the necessary cash on hand.
  • Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by.
  • Avoid placing signs or displays near windows, because they block visibility from the street.
  • Display signs at entrances and exits indicating that safes require secondary keys, which are not in the possession of employees.
  • Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations.
  • Place colored markings at the exits to estimate the suspect’s height as they leave.
  • A robbery may be over in less than a minute. You need a quick eye to get a good look at the robber. That’s why some stores place hidden cameras behind cash registers.

If a Robbery Occurs

  • Call police immediately by dialing 9-1-1, before calling anyone else.
  • Someone points a gun at you and demands your money. What do you do? Give it to him/her! Never refuse a robber.
  • Remain calm. You will be able to give a better description to the police. Most robbers do not harm the victim.
  • Do not resist. Cooperate with the robber, but do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what he asks. He may be armed and may harm you or others if you do not cooperate. Listen carefully to him/her, and pay attention to the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
  • Try to avoid sudden moves. Many robbers are just as nervous as you are.
  • The most important thing to do if you’re robbed is to do as you’re told and try to observe. The description of the suspect that you give to the police may be the only information they have to work with.

Steps to Take After a Robbery

  • Wait until the suspect has left the store and then sound the alarm.
  • Call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher the name and address of your business. Give a brief description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle if known.
  • Ask customers to stay and wait for the police.
  • When your witnesses have agreed to stay, lock the doors until the police arrive.
  • Preserve the crime scene and make sure the witnesses are aware that they should not touch anything that the suspect may have touched.
  • Ask all witnesses and staff members to write down their observations of the suspect description.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective J. Paul Doherty at 302-365-8438. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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Released: 051517 2030

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