Delaware State Police arrested 18-year-old Hassan Bratcher and a 13-year-old male, both of Wilmington, Delaware, for a strong-arm robbery that occurred in the Wilmington area.
On September 1, 2024, at approximately 1:06 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery that occurred in the area of Maryland Avenue and West Summit Avenue in Wilmington. The preliminary investigation revealed that the 21-year-old victim was riding his bicycle on Maryland Avenue when he approached 4 unknown males, and inquired about illicit substances. After the suspects declined, they demanded the victim’s property and pushed him to the ground. The suspects proceeded to repeatedly punch and kick the victim before taking his property and fleeing in an unknown direction.
While conducting routine patrols in the area, officers from the New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) observed the suspects as they were fleeing. NCCPD Officers successfully apprehended 2 of the suspects, later identified as Hassan Bratcher and the 13-year-old male. Additionally, NCCPD Officers located some of the victim’s property within close proximity of Bratcher while taking him into custody. The 13-year-old suspect was taken into custody after he was observed fleeing from the scene on the victim’s bicycle. The 13-year-old suspect initially provided a false name to investigators, however, was later positively identified by his parent.
Responding troopers and New Castle County Police Department Officers searched the area for the remaining suspects, but were unable to locate them. The two unknown suspects are described as black males. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.
The 13-year-old suspect was released into his parent’s custody. The teen and his parent were advised the investigation was ongoing, and charges would be pending for the teen. Bratcher was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with multiple crimes.
At Troop 2, Bratcher was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $2,500 secured bond.
- Robbery 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Assault 3rd Degree
On September 4, 2024, the 13-year-old turned himself in at Troop 2. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $7,000 secured bond.
- Robbery 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Assault 3rd Degree
- Criminal Impersonation
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the two unknown suspects or this case to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling (302) 365-8566. 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.