NEWARK, DE — A tense situation unfolded at a local IHOP in Newark on the evening of March 16, 2024, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Andrew Ford from Bear, Delaware. Ford faces several felony charges following an attempted robbery and a subsequent stabbing incident that left one man injured.
According to the Delaware State Police, troopers were dispatched to the IHOP located at 2644 Kirkwood Highway around 8:00 p.m., following reports of a robbery attempt and stabbing. The investigation revealed that Ford, masked and armed with a knife, demanded money from a cashier and threatened the employee with the weapon. When his demands were not met, Ford exited the restaurant but was pursued by two patrons.
Outside the establishment, a confrontation ensued. Ford allegedly threatened the two men and during the struggle, cut one of them on the hand with the knife. The injury, thankfully, was determined to be non-life-threatening, and the victim was promptly taken to an area hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, Ford was subdued by the two men and other individuals until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody.
Ford was subsequently transported to a hospital due to unrelated medical issues before being charged and arraigned. His charges include Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Assault 1st Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Aggravated Menacing on two counts, and Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony. Following his arraignment by Justice of the Peace Court 11, Ford was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $165,000 secured bond.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is actively continuing its investigation into this alarming incident. Detectives encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist by contacting Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. Tips can also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
It is important to remember that an arrest does not equate to guilt. As with all legal matters, Andrew Ford is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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