The Delaware State Police have arrested a Camden-Wyoming man and charged him in connection with a series of robberies he committed at a local area convenience store over the past several weeks, according to Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz.
Bratz said in each of the robberies, a male suspect entered the businesses armed with a large knife and demanded cash from the clerks. After obtaining cash the male fled the business on foot. There were no injuries during the robberies.
On Thursday, July 4, 2019, Detectives of the Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) were conducting surveillance in the area of the Shore Stop located at 2636 South State Street due to three previous robberies. Just prior to the store closing, at approximately 11:44 p.m., a subject was observed by a trooper, exiting a wooded area just south of the Shore Stop. This subject was observed with his hands and face covered. The suspect positioned himself behind the large dumpsters on the south side of the Shore Stop.
The trooper made verbal contact with the suspect and identified himself and gave an order for the suspect to get on the ground. The subject immediately ran westbound through a thickly wooded area. Detectives continued the foot pursuit and were able to catch the suspect and wrestle him to the ground where he continued to resist arrest. The subject was eventually taken into custody after a struggle. A large knife was located at the scene and collected as evidence, said Bratz.
The subject was identified as Jerry W. McGinnis Jr., 35 years old of Camden-Wyoming. McGinnis was transported to Troop 3 where medical attention was requested for injuries sustained during his struggle. McGinnis was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Jerry W. McGinnis Jr. was then taken into custody and transported to Troop 3 where detectives charged him with:
Attempted to Commit Robbery First Degree Armed With Dangerous Instrument
Four Counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Four Counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
Four Counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Resisting Arrest
Three Counts of Robbery First Degree Armed With and Uses or Threatens Use of Dangerous Instrument
Troopers Investigate a Series of Armed Robberies – South State Street – Dover
McGinnis was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and was committed to the Department of Correction in default of a $214,500.00 cash bond.