The Delaware State Police are actively investigating a robbery incident that escalated from a shoplifting attempt at a Food Lion grocery store in Claymont. The event occurred on the night of Tuesday, January 16, 2024, around 10:15 PM, at the store located at 3609 Philadelphia Pike.
The situation unfolded when two Food Lion employees attempted to intervene as an unknown black female suspect tried to leave the store’s parking lot with a cart full of shoplifted merchandise. The confrontation escalated when the suspect brandished a knife and asserted her intention to take the property. Upon facing the armed suspect, the employees withdrew, and the suspect subsequently fled the scene in a light-colored sedan, heading westbound on Darley Road.
The suspect is described as a black female, wearing dark-colored clothing and armed with a knife. Currently, there are no available surveillance videos or images of the suspect or the vehicle involved.
Investigators from the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit are conducting thorough inquiries into this case. The public is encouraged to come forward with any relevant information. Tips can be shared with Detective J. Dempsey at (302) 365-8472, sent via a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, or provided anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.