Middletown – On Wednesday, September 21, 2017 at approximately 5:45 PM, officers responded to La Costena Market located at 14 E. Main St. for a report of a Robbery, according to , according to Middletown Police Chief Michael Iglio. Iglio said upon arrival, officers observed the defendant, Dalma Melero in front of the store being held by the store employeeand took her into custody without incident.
After speaking with the store employee it was determined that Melero entered the store and demanded money that was owed to her by an employee who was not present, said Iglio. Melero refused to leave and began to cause damage inside the store, according to Iglio.
Melero then pushed a baby in a crib to the ground at which time a physical altercation ensued between Melero and the store employee. During the altercation, Malero attempted to grab a pair of scissors and threatened to kill the store employee, said Iglio.
The store employee was able to exit the store with the baby at which time Melero removed money from the cash register and attempted to exit the store, according to Iglio. As Melero exited the store, the store employee held onto her until police arrived on scene.
Melero was charged with Robbery, Reckless Endangering 2nd, Terroristic Threatening, Offensive Touching, Criminal Mischief. Released on $11,700.00 Unsecured bail along with a no contact order with the Victims.
Image Credits: Middletown Police