Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Arrest Two Teenagers for Robbery Outside Claymont Food Lion

Date Posted: Friday, October 25th, 2024

News Release

Delaware State Police arrested a 12-year-old boy from New Castle and a 14-year-old boy from Wilmington in connection with a robbery that occurred earlier this month in the parking lot of Food Lion in Claymont.

On October 3, 2024, at approximately 7:52 p.m., troopers responded to Food Lion for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed that three unidentified male suspects approached a 78-year-old woman as she returned to her vehicle. The suspects were standing near the cart return area next to her car.

As the victim attempted to enter her vehicle, one of the suspects grabbed her purse. A brief struggle ensued, causing the contents of the purse to spill onto the ground. One of the suspects then took her car key fob from the ground, and all three fled the scene on foot. Fortunately, she was not injured.

The suspects were described as black juvenile males. Two were wearing dark-colored clothing, while the third wore a light-colored hoodie.

Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the 12-year-old and 14-year-old as two of the suspects involved in the robbery.

On October 23, 2024, the 12-year-old suspect was contacted and taken into custody. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Family Court, released on a $20,500 unsecured, and turned over to his guardian.

Robbery First Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

On October 24, 2024, the 14-year-old was also taken into custody. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below, arraigned by Family Court, and remanded to the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families on a $20,500 secured bond.

Robbery First Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective D. Armstrong by calling (302) 365-8440. 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 you 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.