Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

Update— Suspect Arrested State Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Papa John’s

Date Posted: Wednesday, October 9th, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested 24-year-old Michael Smith of Claymont, Delaware, in connection with an armed robbery at Papa John’s last week.

On October 1, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Papa John’s. The investigation revealed that an unidentified male suspect entered the store and confronted two store employees. The suspect brandished a gun and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the store.

Through investigative leads, Michael Smith was identified as the suspect involved in the robbery. On October 8, 2024, detectives located Smith near a bus stop at the intersection of Carvel Avenue and New Jersey Avenue in New Castle. At the time, Smith was accompanied by a child, who is a relative. Upon making contact, Smith fled the area, leaving the child behind. After a brief foot pursuit, troopers apprehended him without further incident.

Smith was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $52,000 cash bond.