The Delaware State Police have arrested 44-year-old Jarad Hammond of Lewes, Delaware for an armed robbery that occurred in Newark yesterday morning.
Officials said on February 21, 2025, at approximately 10:07 a.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of Sonesta Suites, located at 240 Chapman Road in Newark, for a report of a carjacking.
When troopers arrived, they learned that the handicapped victim was sitting in his silver Hyundai Sonata, when the white male suspect approached him and asked if he needed help with his wheelchair. When the victim said no, the suspect briefly walked away but returned, threatened him with a knife, and told him to get out of the car according to police.
The victim got out of the car and into his wheelchair. While going to call 9-1-1, the suspect chased after the victim, again threatened him with the knife, and demanded the keys. The victim complied and the suspect fled in the victim’s car. The victim was not hurt.
Troopers searched the area and found the Sonata a short distance away. Troopers continued to search for the suspect and short time later, troopers found the suspect, identified as Jarad Hammond, in the University Plaza Shopping Center. He was taken into custody without incident. During a search of Hammond’s person, troopers found the victim’s keys and during a later search of the Sonata, troopers found knives and Hammond’s property.
Hammond was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with Robbery 1st Degree (Felony), Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony). He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $50,000 cash bond.