Bear – Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted robbery which took place during the sale of an Apple I-Phone X, which was pre-arranged via the internet.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2017 inside the Hardees restaurant located at 1801 Pulaski Highway, Bear. A 27 year old New Castle man made arrangements via the on-line app “Offer Up” to sell an I-Phone X to an unknown individual. The two subjects met at the Hardees, which was the mutually agreed upon location, and initiated the transaction. As the victim was displaying the phone, the suspect snatched it and attempted to flee. The victim was able to grab the suspect at which time a brief struggle ensued with the victim being punched in the face. During the altercation the phone dropped to the ground, and the victim was able to retain possession of it. The suspect then fled the restaurant, and was last seen running southbound across Pulaski Highway (US 40).

The suspect is described as a black male, 20-25 years of age, 5’8″-5’9″ tall, weighing 150-180 pounds, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and unknown color hat.

The victim was evaluated on-scene by EMS but refused medical treatment.

If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to contact Detective W. Harris at 302-365-8428.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

The Delaware State Police would like to offer a few safety tips for citizens to keep in mind when conducting such transactions:

• Citizens who want to meet a buyer or seller should do so during daylight hours.
• Do not go to a transaction alone.
• Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
• Insist on meeting in a public area where cameras are located.  You can always conduct transactions in Troop or Police Department parking lots.
• Do not go into someone else’s home, and do not allow them into yours.
• If someone is not willing to meet you in a public area, during daylight areas, it is probably not a legitimate transaction
• Trust your instincts.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released: 110717 1657

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