Delaware State Police arrested a 12-year-old boy from New Castle and a 14-year-old boy from Wilmington. The pair was picked up in connection with a robbery that occurred earlier this month in the parking lot of Food Lion in Claymont.
Officials said on October 3, 2024, at approximately 7:52 p.m., troopers responded to Food Lion for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed that three unidentified male suspects approached a 78-year-old woman as she returned to her vehicle. The suspects were standing near the cart return area next to her car.
As the victim attempted to enter her vehicle, one of the suspects grabbed her purse. A brief struggle ensued, causing the contents of the purse to spill onto the ground according to police. One of the suspects then took her car key fob from the ground, and all three fled the scene on foot. She was not injured.
The suspects were described as black juvenile males. Two were wearing dark-colored clothing, while the third wore a light-colored hoodie.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the 12-year-old and 14-year-old as two of the suspects involved in the robbery officials said.
On October 23, 2024, the 12-year-old suspect was contacted and taken into custody. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with Robbery First Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony) and Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony). He was arraigned by Family Court, released on a $20,500 unsecured, and turned over to his guardian.
On October 24, 2024, the 14-year-old was also taken into custody. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with Robbery First Degree Commits a Crime Against a Person 65 Years or Older (Felony) and Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony). He was. He was arraigned by Family Court, and remanded to the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families on a $20,500 secured bond.