The Delaware State Police have arrested 49-year-old Jose Perez of Newark, in connection with the armed robbery of a Newark area nail salon that occurred Thursday afternoon, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at approximately 12:13 p.m., Troopers responded to the Best Nail Salon, located at 4615 Ogletown-Stanton Rd. in reference to an armed robbery that had just occurred. Upon arriving on scene Troopers determined that a male suspect, later identified as Perez, entered the business, confronted an employee while displaying a handgun and demanded money, said Austin. After obtaining cash from the employee, Perez guided her around the business at gunpoint, and confronted three additional employees and three customers, demanding and receiving cash from all but two of them, according to Austin. None of the seven victims were injured as a result of the incident.
After obtaining the money Perez exited the business and was last seen fleeing the area on a bicycle. A detailed description of Perez’ clothing and the bike were broadcast to assisting units who were canvassing the area. At approximately 1:51 p.m., a Trooper located Perez riding his bike on Harmony Road, at which time he was taken into custody without incident. Once in custody, a search of Perez’ person produced evidence further linking him to the robbery, said Austin.
Perez was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with 5 counts of Robbery 1st Degree, 2 counts of Attempted Robbery 1st Degree and a single count of Unlawful Imprisonment. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and then committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $422,000.00 secured bail.