On Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at approximately 9:00 a.m. the Newark Police responded to Delaware Distribution located at 111 Sandy Drive, Newark for a report of a robbery which was alleged to have just occurred, according to Sgt. Gerald Bryda.
Bryda said it was reported to police that an unknown suspect entered the business wearing a mask, aimed a handgun at an employee, and stole money from the business. The employee provided a description of the fleeing suspect, which was broadcast to responding officers.
An officer responding to the scene located a subject matching the provided description in the area of Otts Chapel Road and West Chestnut Hill Road. During a search of the detained subject, a large amount of cash was located. Another responding officer was able to view surveillance footage and positively identified the subject in custody as the suspect in the robbery, said Bryda. The subject in custody was identified as 23-year-old Malik Harper of Wilmington.
After Detectives interviewed the employee who reported the incident they determine that the employee was involved and staged the robbery, according to Bryda. The robbery report was to disguise a theft of cash from the business, said Bryda.
In addition to interviewing the employee, Detectives reviewed evidence and surveillance footage, according to Bryda.
Bryda said a pellet gun was recovered during the investigation but did not indicate where it was found. Officers and K-9 units were observed searching the treeline along the roadway, from Sandy Drive to West Chestnut Hill Road.
The employee was identified as 22-year-old Vibhav Kumar of Bear.
Vibhav Kumar was charged Theft $1500 or Greater (2 Counts), Providing a False Statement to Hinder Investigation, False Report to Law Enforcement and Conspiracy 2nd Degree.
Kumar was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and issued $6,500 unsecured bond. He was released from custody from Newark Police Headquarters.
Malik Harper was charged with Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony. Theft $1,500 or Greater and Conspiracy 2nd Degree.
Harper was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and issued $10,000 secured Bond. Harper was transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of bail.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Bystricky at 302-366-7100 ext. 3136 or [email protected]