WILMINGTON, DE — A Dover man has been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery and carjacking at a Wilmington shopping center late last month, after state troopers say the victim was forced to the ground at gunpoint before his vehicle was stolen.
According to the Delaware State Police, troopers responded at approximately 8:30 p.m. on January 28, 2026, to a report of an armed robbery at a shopping center in the 1900 block of Maryland Avenue. Investigators allege that two male suspects armed with handguns approached a man who was seated inside his Toyota Corolla, ordered him out of the vehicle, and forced him to lie on the ground.
Police said one of the suspects allegedly stole cash from the victim before both men fled the area in the victim’s vehicle. Authorities reported that the victim was not injured during the incident.
Nearly an hour later, troopers located the stolen Toyota Corolla near East 27th Street and Rosemont Avenue in Wilmington. Police allege the vehicle was occupied by two men who fled on foot after noticing a patrol car, leaving the stolen vehicle behind.
The suspects were described as males with slim builds, believed to be between 16 and 20 years old, wearing dark-colored clothing and ski masks.
Following an investigation, detectives identified 19-year-old Rashawn Chappell, of Dover, as one of the alleged suspects. On February 5, 2025, troopers apprehended Chappell in Dover without incident, police said.
Chappell was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with robbery in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, aggravated menacing, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, and conspiracy in the second degree. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $134,000.00 cash bail.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Detective D. Armstrong at (302) 365-8440. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
All charges are allegations. Chappell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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