Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

Detectives Investigating Claymont Food Lion Shoplifting Turned Robbery

Date Posted: Friday, January 19th, 2024

The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery stemming from a shoplifting that occurred on Tuesday night in the parking lot of a Food Lion in Claymont.

On January 16, 2024, at approximately 10:15 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Food Lion located at 3609 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont. The preliminary investigation revealed two Food Lion employees attempted to stop an unknown black female suspect from shoplifting a cart full of merchandise in the parking lot of the grocery store. As the employees grabbed the shopping cart, the suspect stepped towards them while pointing a knife and stated she was taking the property. The employees stepped away from the suspect, and the suspect fled with the merchandise in a light-colored sedan westbound on Darley Road.

The suspect is described as a black female wearing dark-colored clothing and armed with a knife. As of now, surveillance video and images of the suspect and suspect vehicle are not available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is diligently pursuing this case. Investigators urge anyone with information about this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (302) 365-8472. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.