Delaware State Police arrested Donte Richardson, 23, of Wilmington, for two carjackings that occurred early January in the North Wilmington area, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the first incident occurred at approximately 9:03 p.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in the parking lot of Wawa, located at 1702 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington. The investigation determined a black male suspect approached a 42-year-old male victim as he exited his vehicle in the parking lot. The suspect demanded the victim out of the vehicle and displayed a handgun tucked in his waistband said Hatchell. The victim pushed the suspect away but was physically assaulted by the suspect. The victim then ran towards the rear of the business. His vehicle was unable to be operated because the victim still had the key fob in his possession. The suspect then fled the scene in a gold sedan.
A short time later, at approximately 9:04 p.m., the same suspect who exited a gold sedan approached a second victim in the parking lot of the Green Turtle located at 307 Rocky Run Parkway, Wilmington. The suspect approached a 26-year-old victim, pointed a handgun at him, and demanded the victim’s car keys said Hatchell. The victim complied and the suspect fled the scene in the stolen 2000 Chevrolet Malibu.
Through investigative means, troopers identified the suspect as Donte Richardson and obtained warrants for his arrest. On June 9, 2022, troopers executed a search warrant at Richardson’s residence and took him into custody without incident. A subsequent search of his residence led to the discovery of a Glock 9mm handgun.
Richardson was transported to Troop 6 where he was charged with the following crimes:
Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Attempted Robbery First Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)- 2 counts
Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited (Felony)- 2 counts
Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Richardson was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $182,000 cash bond.