Police: Armed Robbery Suspect Locked Inside Store By Employees

The Delaware State Police have arrested a Middletown man after he robbed an area liquor store, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.

Fournier said the incident began around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021, when Keith A. Turner Jr., 36, entered the Rambleton Acres Liquor Store, located at 135 Christiana Road in New Castle, brandishing a large butcher knife. Turner confronted a store clerk and demanded money. The employee, along with another store employee, were able to run out of the business and lock the door leaving Turner inside. Once the two store clerks were safely outside, Turner, who was now locked in the liquor store, removed an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register said Fournier. Turner attempted to escape the business by throwing a metal shopping cart at the front door. He then attempted to flee out a rear bathroom window before realizing it was too small.

With the assistance of New Castle County Police Department’s K9 Unit (Thor), commands were made for Turner to exit the building or the K9 would be released. Turner complied with the instructions and surrendered without further incident.

Turner was transported back to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following:

Robbery 1st
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
Two counts of Criminal Mischief
Turner was arraigned via video phone with JP2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $127,100.00 cash bond.