Newark- On Friday, October 2, 2020, at approximately 9:18 p.m., Delaware State Police received a 911 report of a robbery in progress and responded to Newark Bottle Shop Liquor Store located at 140 Pencader Plaza, Newark, according to Public Information Officer, Sergeant Darren Lester.
Lester said the investigation revealed that Daniel W. Mopkins had entered the business and selected liquor products from the sales floor before responding to the sales counter. The sales clerk began the sales transaction when the defendant removed a handgun concealed within his waistband. The defendant then ordered the sales clerk and two additional employees to put their hands up, exit the store and contact the police, while continuing to display the handgun, said Lester. The sales clerk believed a robbery was occurring based on the defendant’s actions and demands. All three employees with their hands raised then exited the business, with 911 being called and the robbery being reported. The defendant remained in the liquor store and began consuming alcohol.
At approximately 9:20 p.m., a Delaware State Trooper arrived on scene and confronted the suspect inside the business. The suspect, in turn, displayed a firearm at the trooper, and an exchange of gunfire took place. The 14-year veteran trooper exited the business and took cover as additional units arrived on the scene. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the store.
At approximately 9:34 p.m., the defendant called 911 from the business phone informing the communications center he was holding a hostage in the store and was armed with a pipe bomb, according to Lester. Video surveillance was established confirming the defendant was inside the business, drinking alcohol, and armed with a handgun. Surveillance was unable to confirm the presence of a hostage or a bomb. Negotiations via phone with the DSP Conflict Management Team were conducted in an attempt to have the defendant surrender and vacate the business. After an approximately four-hour standoff and negotiation with troopers, the defendant exited the business with his hands in the air and was taken into custody without incident.
The defendant was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation due to a high intoxication level and subsequently later transported to Troop 2 . The Trooper involved in the shooting incident was not injured and did not require medical care.
Mopkins was charged with:
Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (Felony)
Three Counts of Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
Defendant Daniel W. Mopkins was arraigned on Saturday, October 3, 2020 via video at J.P. Court #2 , and was subsequently committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $125,000.00 cash bond.
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