Magnolia – The Delaware State Police have arrested 37-year-old William J. Edwards of Dover in connection with the robbery of a Dover area liquor store as well as a Camden-Wyoming residential burglary, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a robbery occurred at the Route 8 Liquor store located at 4128 Forrest Avenue in Dover, in which the store clerk was assaulted by a masked suspect who was in possession of a knife. After being assaulted the clerk was ordered to turn over the contents of the cash register to the suspect who then fled, according to Austin.
During the course of this robbery investigation, detectives were able to develop a silver Honda Odyssey mini-van as a suspect vehicle. Through further investigation detectives were able to positively link this vehicle to Edwards, who was also being looked at as a suspect in a burglary that occurred on November 5, 2019, at a residence located in the 400 block of Jebb Road in Camden-Wyoming, in which multiple firearms were stolen, said Austin.
Information regarding Edwards and the mini-van was disseminated to patrol Troopers and on Saturday, November 30, 2019, a Trooper on routine patrol, observed the mini-van traveling on Juanita Road in Magnolia. A traffic stop was conducted and Edwards was positively identified as the driver, at which time he was taken into custody without incident.
Edwards and the mini-van were transported to Troop 3 where a subsequent search of the vehicle produced evidence further linking him to the robbery, according to Austin. Information was also obtained confirming Edward’s involvement in the Jebb Road burglary, Austin said.
Edwards was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #7 on the below charges and then committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $77,600.00 cash bail.
Robbery 1st Degree
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
Assault 3rd Degree
Burglary 2nd Degree
Theft of a Firearm (5 counts)
Theft Less than $1500.00
Selling Stolen Property
Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications
Conspiracy 3rd Degree