Smyrna – The Delaware State Police have arrested 37-year-old Daniel Lilly of Smyrna, for an attempted robbery that took place at an area book store, Sunday afternoon, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Acorn Books, located at 2421 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna. Lilly entered the business and made contact with a 47-year-old male employee, stated that he had a gun and then demanded all the money from the register, according to Austin.
The employee directed Lilly to the register, at which time he had the opportunity to flee the business. The employee was able to lock the door as he exited, which in turn locked Lilly inside the business, alone. A Delaware State Police K-9 team located Lilly hiding in a closet within the business and took him into custody without incident.
Lilly was transported to Troop 3 where he was charged with1 count of Attempted Robbery 1st Degree. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 and then committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $25,000.00 secured bond.
Breaking Report
Smyrna – Just after 3:00, yesterday afternoon, someone from Acron Books, located at 2421 S Dupont Highway, posted a comment on social media that has some of its customers wondering what happened.
The post read: “Everyone is okay, the situation is over. We are dealing with some lose ends. I will post more when we are able. We will be closed the rest of today and open tomorrow like normal. Thank you all for your concern”.
Employees at the store, when contacted by phone, would not say much about the incident. They did, however, confirm that the incident caused the closure of the store and that police were involved.
Customers reacting to the social media post say they grateful that the incident is over but are wondering what happened.
Authorities have not released details regarding the incident.
This is a developing story.