Newark- On Friday, October 2, 2020, at approximately 9:18 p.m., Delaware State Police received a 911 report of a robbery in progress and responded to Newark Bottle Shop Liquor Store located at 140 Pencader Plaza, Newark, De.  

Investigation revealed Defendant Daniel W. Mopkins had entered the business and selected liquor products from the sales floor before responding to the sales counter.  The sales clerk began conducting the sales transaction when the defendant removed a handgun concealed within his waistband.  The defendant then ordered the sales clerk and two additional employees to put their hands up, exit the store and contact the police, while continuing to display the handgun.  The sales clerk believed a robbery was occurring based on the defendants actions and demands.  All three employees with their hands raised then exited the business, with 911 being called and the robbery being reported.  The defendant remained in the liquor store and began consuming alcohol.

At approximately 9:20 p.m., a Delaware State Trooper arrived on scene and confronted the suspect inside the business. The suspect, in turn, displayed a firearm at the trooper, and an exchange of gunfire took place. The 14-year veteran trooper exited the business and took cover as additional units arrived on the scene. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the store. 

At approximately 9:34 p.m., the defendant called 911 from the business phone informing the communications center he was holding a hostage in the store and was armed with a pipe bomb.  Video surveillance was established confirming the defendant was inside the business, drinking alcohol, and armed with a handgun.  Surveillance was unable to confirm the presence of a hostage or a bomb.  Negotiations via phone with the DSP Conflict Management Team were conducted in an attempt to have the defendant surrender and vacate the business.  After an approximately four-hour standoff and negotiation with troopers, the defendant exited the business with his hands in the air and was taken into custody without incident.

The defendant was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation due to a high intoxication level and subsequently later transported to Troop 2 .  The Trooper involved in the shooting incident was not injured and did not require medical care.   

Defendant Daniel W. Mopkins was charged with:

1. Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
2. Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
3. Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (Felony)
4. Three Counts of Aggravated Menacing (Felony)

Defendant Daniel W. Mopkins was arraigned on Saturday, October 3, 2020 via video at J.P. Court #2 , and was subsequently committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $125,000.00 cash bond.

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. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant Darren Lester

Released: 100320 1857

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