Magnolia – Delaware State Police have arrested three people in connection with a Friday evening robbery of a pizza delivery driver.
Officials said that on Friday September 9, 2016 just before 10 p.m., Troopers were dispatched to the Papa John’s Pizza store near Camden for a report of a robbery. Police said that one of their stores drivers, a 37-year-old woman, attempted to deliver a pizza to an address on Colleen Court .
Police said that the woman was waved down by two males standing by a green Toyota Camry in the cul-de-sac. Upon contacting the suspects, they demanded the pizza and her money, according to police.
The driver initially refused to turn over the money, one of the suspects displayed a handgun and removed the money from the victim, police said. Authorities said the two men then entered the Toyota where a third suspect was sitting, and drove out of the development in an unknown direction.
Officials said the victim was not injured and was able to obtain the vehicle registration as it drove away. Through investigative measures, troopers were able to obtain information of the subject that was in possession of the car. On Saturday September 10, 2016 troopers located the vehicle parked behind a residence on Juanita Drive, Magnolia, as well as two subjects sleeping in a camper.
Ryan S. King, 23 of Magnolia, and Ethan H. Peterson, 25 of Bowers Beach, were taken into custody without incident. Police said that a black starter pistol was also located nearby in a trash pile. Police believe the starter pistol was used during the crime. Clothing described by the victim was also found at the scene, according to Troopers.
Ryan King and Ethan Peterson were transported back to Troop 3 near Camden where they were both charged with Robbery 1st, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Conspiracy 2nd. King was additionally charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited. They were arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $91,000.00 secured and $81,000.00 secured respectively.
Later Saturday afternoon, Austin L. Gruwell, 20 of Magnolia, was taken into custody and charged with Robbery 1st, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Conspiracy 2nd. He was arraigned at JP7 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $81,000.00 secured bond.
