NEWARK, DE — Newark police say a violent early-morning robbery at a local business last year set off a multistate investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of a Massachusetts man following a vehicle pursuit hundreds of miles away.
According to the Newark Police Department, the incident occurred on January 19, 2025, at approximately 2:49 a.m., when a white male suspect entered a business in the 800 block of South College Avenue. Investigators allege that upon entering the store, the suspect immediately grabbed a customer and forced the victim face-first into a counter.
Police further allege the suspect then moved behind the counter, shoved a store clerk into the counter and onto the ground, and yelled threats at both victims while making hand gestures implying he was armed with a weapon. Authorities said the suspect forcibly removed a cash register containing an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency before fleeing the scene.
The suspect allegedly escaped in a light brown Chevrolet Traverse bearing Massachusetts registration. At the time of the robbery, police said the vehicle had not been reported stolen. Both victims sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.
Newark police detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. Subsequent to the robbery, authorities learned that the vehicle involved was later reported stolen by a victim in another state.
During the early morning hours of January 20, 2026, the stolen vehicle was spotted by Kentucky State Police. Troopers attempted a traffic stop, which police say led to a vehicle pursuit within their jurisdiction. Following a brief chase, the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect was identified as Jeremi Thibeault Sr., 34, of Massachusetts. He was arrested by Kentucky State Police and remains incarcerated in Kentucky pending charges there. Newark police detectives later obtained an arrest warrant charging Thibeault in connection with the alleged robbery and related offenses involving the two victims.
All criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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