Wilmington – The Delaware State Police have arrested John Singleton, 54, of Wilmington, in connection with a series of robberies in which he threatened victims with pepper spray, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said between December 6, 2018, and January 8, 2019, the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit investigated seven robberies that took place at gas stations and convenience stores, primarily in the North Wilmington area. In each incident, the suspect threatened the employee/victim with pepper spray, before making off with money and cigarettes. The Troopers conducting the initial investigations determined that the suspect in each incident had a similar physical description and was wearing similar clothing.
Through a variety of investigative measures and leads, detectives were able to identify a green Kia Sportage as a suspect vehicle, which was then positively linked to Singleton, said Austin. Further investigation led them to a residence in the 2800 block of Jefferson Street in the City of Wilmington. On Wednesday, January 9, 2018, Singleton was located and taken in to custody without incident. At the time of his apprehension, Singleton was found to be in possession of a can of pepper spray, said Austin.
Singleton was transported to Troop 2 where he was formally charged with 7 counts of Robbery 1st Degree in regards to the below listed robberies. He was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $140,000.00 secured bail.
12/6/18: Sunoco 530 JFK Memorial Hwy.
12/20/18: Walgreens 1601 Naaman’s Rd.
12/31/18: Wawa 727 Philadelphia Pike
1/3/19: Walgreen’s 1508 Philadelphia Pike
1/4/19: Royal Farms 455 Stanton-Christiana Rd.
1/7/19: Exxon 5301 Concord Pike
1/8/19: BP 3507 Miller Rd.
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