Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Update – Attempt to Locate Suspect Detectives Investigating Vehicular Assault and Robbery at Newark Shell Gas Station

Date Posted: Friday, December 6th, 2024

John Arce Wanted Poster

The Delaware State Police continues investigating a vehicular assault and robbery that occurred Wednesday evening at the Shell gas station in Newark and are requesting the public’s assistance with locating the suspect, 31-year-old John Arce of Newark, Delaware.

On December 4, 2024, at approximately 6:45 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a car at the Shell gas station located at 380 East Chestnut Hill Road in Newark. Preliminary investigation revealed a 38-year-old man was walking through the parking lot when a red passenger car drove toward him at a high rate of speed and struck him. The suspect got out of the car, stole the victim’s wallet, and fled the area. The victim was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for serious injuries.

Through investigative means, Troop 2 Robbery Detectives identified the suspect responsible for the vehicular assault and robbery as John Arce, a family member of the victim. His current whereabouts are unknown. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in their on-going efforts to locate Arce, who has a warrant for his arrest for multiple felony charges.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (302) 365-8472. 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.