Bear– The Delaware State Police have arrested a Newark man in connection with a robbery that took place at a Cosmetic and Beauty Supply Store, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred at approximately 10:09 a.m., on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Beauty Max located at 1667 Pulaski Highway. The suspect entered the business and made contact with a store employee. While displaying a handgun in his waistband, and stating he had a gun, the suspect demanded the employee empty the cash register, according to Jaffe. The employee complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. He then exited the store and fled on foot towards Salem Church Road.
The store employee was not injured as a result of this incident.
Through investigative measures, 19-year-old Michael C. Blanco was developed as a suspect, said Jaffe. On Thursday, September 27, 2018, the Delaware State Police executed a search warrant at Blanco’s residence in the 200 block of N. Oxford Drive, located in the trailer park behind the Beauty Max. As a result of the warrant, Blanco was taken into custody and evidence linking him to the robbery was recovered, according to Jaffe.
Jaffe said the suspect was also linked to a second robbery investigated by the New Castle County Police Department. It was learned that Blanco was also responsible for a robbery occurred on September 3, 2018 at the All Stop Ez Way Mart, located at 5 Brookmont Drive, Newark.
Blanco was transported back to Troop 2 where he was charged and arraigned out of the Justice of the Peace Court 2 for the following:
Robbery First Degree
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
Blanco was also arraigned on the New Castle County Police Department’s charges for Robbery First Degree and Breach of Release.
He was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $52,500 secured bond.