Online Sales Turn Violent as Suspect Faces Armed Charges

Zjahmere Walker
Zjahmere Walker /Submitted Image

NEWARK, DE — A Newark man is facing multiple felony charges after police said he was identified as a suspect in a series of incidents tied to online marketplace transactions between February 26 and March 29.

According to Newark Police, the first incident occurred at approximately 5:52 p.m. on February 26 in the 900 block of Rahway Drive. Investigators said a victim arranged to sell an item through a mobile marketplace application and met a prospective buyer at a residence later determined to be vacant.

Police reported the suspect allegedly provided counterfeit cash before fleeing on foot after the victim confronted him. Authorities said the suspect also implied he was armed during the encounter.

On March 28 at approximately 3:45 p.m., officers again responded to the 900 block of Rahway Drive for a reported attempted armed robbery. According to investigators, two victims arranged to sell an item at the same location but became suspicious and attempted to leave with their property. Police said the suspect allegedly displayed a handgun and demanded the item before fleeing when unsuccessful.

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On March 29 at approximately 3:26 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of South Main Street for a reported robbery in a business parking lot. According to police, a victim met with a prospective buyer and handed over an item inside a vehicle. When payment was requested, the suspect allegedly displayed a knife and fled on foot.

Police said patrol officers and detectives conducted follow-up investigations and identified the suspect as Zjahmere Walker, 25, of Newark. Authorities reported Walker was located later on March 29 with assistance from employees at a local business, where he was allegedly engaged in shoplifting.

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According to police, Walker allegedly resisted arrest and was taken into custody following a brief struggle. One officer sustained a minor injury and received medical attention.

Police reported Walker was taken into custody while allegedly in possession of a handgun.

According to authorities, Walker has been charged with multiple offenses, including theft under $1,500, first-degree forgery, two counts of attempted first-degree robbery, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, multiple counts of carrying a concealed deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, first-degree robbery, shoplifting, and resisting arrest with force.

Police said Walker was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court No. 2 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $372,000 cash bail.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police said anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective W. Anderson.

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All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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