NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police arrested a Newark man following an alleged shoplifting incident that escalated into a robbery at a local smoke shop Wednesday afternoon.
On January 29, 2025, at approximately 3:53 p.m., troopers responded to King Smoke Shop on Ogletown Stanton Road after reports of a robbery. Authorities say the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Daquan Christy, approached the store employee, asked about products, and then attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise.
When the employee intervened, Christy allegedly punched the worker, sparking a physical altercation that spilled into the parking lot. Police state that Christy ultimately fled the scene on foot, heading north with the stolen goods.
Officers from the Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement assisted in canvassing the area and quickly located the suspect in a nearby park. Authorities report that the stolen items were recovered during a search of Christy. He was taken into custody without incident.
The employee involved in the altercation was treated at the scene by EMS for injuries sustained during the encounter.
Christy was later transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with second-degree robbery, a felony. Following his arraignment, he was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a secured bond of $3,000.
Officials remind the public that allegations remain under investigation, and all individuals are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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