The Delaware State Police have arrested 27-year-old Michael Graves of Middletown for robbery and related charges following an incident that occurred at the Honey Baked Ham Company in July 2021, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred on July 14, 2021, at approximately 5:00 p.m., when troopers were dispatched to The Honey Baked Ham Company located at 4764 Limestone Road, Wilmington, for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined that a male suspect approached a female employee who was in the business. The suspect displayed a firearm and demanded money from the cash register, as well as the safe, said Hatchell. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash from the register, the suspect forced the victim to the rear office and obtained additional cash from the safe.
After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and safe, the suspect removed the employee’s car keys and other personal belongings. The suspect then fled out the rear exit door and drove off in the victim’s vehicle.
Through investigative leads, troopers identified Michael Graves as the suspect. On July 16, 2021, Graves was apprehended by the Santa Rosa Police Department in New Mexico after he was located operating the victim’s stolen vehicle. Officers located two firearms inside of the stolen vehicle.
On August 12, 2021, Graves was extradited back to Delaware and turned over to the Delaware State Police. He was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following crimes:
Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)– 2 counts
Kidnapping 1st Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Graves was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $240,000 cash bond.