Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

Detectives Investigating Gas Station Armed Robbery in Newark

Date Posted: Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Valero

The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred last night at a Valero gas station in Newark.

On May 15, 2024, at approximately 9:48 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Valero gas station located at 796 Old Baltimore Pike in Newark. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown black male suspect armed with a firearm approached a Valero employee at the counter and demanded money from the cash register. After the employee complied, the suspect placed his firearm on the counter as he placed an undisclosed amount of cash in his pockets. The employee grabbed the firearm from the counter and pointed it at the suspect. The suspect fled from the business, however, immediately returned, and demanded the employee return the firearm. The employee proceeded to fire one round at the suspect, and the suspect again fled from the business in a northeast direction.

Troopers recovered the firearm from the employee. It is unknown if the suspect was injured. There were no reported injuries at area hospitals. The suspect is described as a black male wearing dark-colored clothing. Surveillance video and images of the suspect are not available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is still investigating this. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective R. Strecker by calling (302) 365-8413. 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.