Townsend – The Delaware State Police have arrested two Townsend teenagers for their role in an armed robbery that occurred Halloween night.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:47 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2018 in the 100 block of Edgar Dr., in the development of Townsend Village. Two male juveniles, ages 12 and 17, were trick-or-treating when they were approached by two suspects, who would later be identified as Tahmir Pernsley, 15, and Marquis Benson, 16, both of Townsend.

Pernsley produced a black handgun, pointed it at the 12 year old victim and demanded his bag of candy. The victim complied by dropping his bag and running away. Pernsley then turned the gun on the 17 year old victim, who did not immediately comply with the demand, at which time Pernsley and Benson began to physically assault him. During the assault the victim dropped his bag of candy, which was then picked up by Pernsley and Benson. After obtaining both bags of candy the suspects fled on foot.

Responding Troopers obtained descriptions of the suspects, and were able to locate them during a search of the neighborhood, at which time they were taken in to custody without incident. A subsequent search of the suspects resulted in the recovery of both victim’s bags of candy along with a black handgun that proved to be a pellet gun.

Both suspects were transported to Troop 9 where they were charged with 2 counts each of Robbery 1^st Degree and Conspiracy 2^nd Degree. Pernsley was released to his guardians on $21,500.00 unsecured bail. Benson was committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $15,000.00 unsecured bail.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have further information are asked to contact Detective C. Hevelow of the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-834-2620 ext. 8521.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:110218 1130

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