Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

Detectives Investigating Wilmington Area Family Dollar Shoplifting Turned Robbery

Date Posted: Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shoplifting turned robbery that occurred yesterday afternoon at a Family Dollar in Wilmington.

On April 2, 2024, at approximately 12:45 p.m., troopers responded to the Family Dollar located at 1311 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, for a report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown black male suspect was confronted by Family Dollar employees for concealing items in his jacket. The suspect became aggressive, and a physical altercation ensued before the suspect fled from the store. Once outside, the suspect retrieved a baseball bat from his black four-door sedan and reapproached the store. He then threatened employees with the bat and placed it between the front doors to prevent employees from closing them. After the employees were able to close and lock the front doors, the suspect fled in his sedan in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark colored clothing. Surveillance images and video are not yet available.

The Troop 2 Robbery Unit is investigating this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Patterson by calling (302) 365-8404. 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.