Claymont – Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery/kidnapping that took place in the parking lot of the Tri-State Mall last week, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2018, in the parking lot of the Tri-State Mall, located at 333 Naaman’s Road, Claymont. A 23-year-old, Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, man was walking to his vehicle, which was parked in the lot, when he was approached from behind, by a suspect who placed a gun in his back, said Austin. Two additional suspects then approached and proceeded to remove property from his pockets, to include a cell phone, cash, jewelry, along with his car keys, according to Austin.
The victim was then escorted to his vehicle by the three suspects, who locked him in the trunk before driving away. The victim estimated that he was driven around in the trunk of his vehicle for approximately 3o minutes prior to it coming to a stop. After approximately 5 minutes of the vehicle being stationary, the trunk was opened and the victim was able to get out. By the time he exited the trunk, the suspects had fled, however, they did leave the keys behind. Upon driving away the victim was able to determine that he was in Chester, Pennsylvania.
The only description the victim could give of the suspects is that they were all black males. The victim did sustain a contusion to his head, for which he did not seek medical treatment.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-365-8566