The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery that occurred in Newark early Thursday morning.
Officials said on December 5, 2024, at approximately 4:52 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a robbery at the Service Plaza, located at 520 John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway in Newark.
The investigation showed that an unknown male suspect entered an unoccupied and unsecured tractor and trailer in the parking lot. When the driver returned to the truck, the suspect threatened him with a knife, stole his property, and fled the area police said Friday. The victim was not hurt.
This incident follows a robbery that occurred earlier this month that left a New York man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
In that case Trooper were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting near the service center’s Starbucks location. The incident involved a 45-year-old man from Goshen, New York, who was reportedly robbed and shot by an unknown suspect or suspects.
When authorities arrived, the victim was discovered lying in the parking lot outside the Starbucks. Emergency crews from the Christiana Fire Company and New Castle County Paramedics responded to the scene where they found the victim reportedly suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. The man was treated at the scene and transported to a nearby trauma center. According to preliminary information, the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening police said late Sunday.
The victim had reportedly stopped at the Welcome Center while traveling when the suspect or suspects approached him. Details surrounding the robbery and subsequent shooting are still unclear according to police. Investigators from the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit are leading the inquiry, working to establish the events leading to the attack. As of now, no description of the suspect or suspects is available.
The Delaware State Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details are encouraged to contact Detective R. Strecker at (302) 365-8413.
This incident marks a troubling event at the usually bustling I-95 Welcome Center, which serves as a major hub for travelers along the East Coast. The area, typically known for its convenience and amenities, was temporarily closed following the incident as authorities conducted their investigation. Regular operations have since resumed.
The investigation remains active, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents and travelers in the area are advised to exercise caution and report any unusual circumstances to authorities.