Bear – Delaware State Police detectives have arrested Jamai Payne, 20 of Bear, for his involvement in an attempted robbery which took place during the sale of an Apple I-Phone X, that occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2017 inside the Hardees restaurant located at 1801 Pulaski Highway, Bear, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said Payne was taken into custody at approximately 3:25 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2017 at his Bear area home without incident. A subsequent search of Payne’s residence produced further evidence linking him to the robbery, Austin said.
Payne was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 where he was arrested and charged with one count of Attempted Robbery 1st Degree. Payne was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 before being committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $20,000.00 secured bail.
Austin said a 27-year-old New Castle man made arrangements via the on-line app “Offer Up” to sell an I-Phone X to an unknown individual. The two subjects met at the Hardees, which was the mutually agreed upon location, and initiated the transaction. As the victim was displaying the phone, the suspect snatched it and attempted to flee, said Austin. The victim was able to grab the suspect at which time a brief struggle ensued with the victim being punched in the face, according to Austin. During the altercation the phone dropped to the ground, and the victim was able to retain possession of it. The suspect then fled the restaurant, and was last seen running southbound across Pulaski Highway (US 40).
Image Credits: Delaware State Police