New Castle – The Delaware State Police are investigating an attempted strong-arm robbery that took place in the parking lot of the Manor Park Shopping Center on Monday night, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2020, in the parking lot of the Manor Park Shopping Center located at 1401 N. DuPont Highway in New Castle.
A 39-year-old female had just exited the Dollar General Store and walked to her vehicle which was parked in the lot. As she arrived at her vehicle she was approached by a male suspect on a bicycle who demanded money.
As the victim began to retrieve money from inside her vehicle the suspect grabbed her by the neck with both hands, according to Austin. The victim began to scream at which time a passerby intervened, causing the suspect to flee on the bicycle without obtaining any money. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.
The suspect was described as a heavyset black male, approximately 50 years of age, wearing all dark clothing and riding a blue bicycle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit by calling 302-365-8566.