NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (10/22/2015) Employees at Pockets Discount Liquors on U.S. 13 near New Castle thwarted a robbery attempt and held a suspect until Delaware State Police arrived, authorities said. Another person who police say acted as a lookout also was arrested.
The incident happened about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday at 337 S. DuPont Highway.
Police said Stephen Aranda, 23, of New Castle, implied he had a handgun and demanded an employee turn over cash from the register, but the employee refused and detained Aranda with the help of another employee.
After troopers took Aranda into custody, they said no weapon was found.
Police said Aranda’s girlfriend, Meltanazh’a Morton, 20, of Wilmington, had acted as a lookout. She was taken into custody outside the store.
Troopers said they also learned Aranda had robbed the store on Oct. 11, escaping with cash, but it had not been reported to police.
No one was injured in either incident.
Aranda was charged with robbery, attempted robbery, wearing a disguise during commission of a felony and conspiracy. He was being held at Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington in lieu of $26,500 secured bail.’
Morton was charged with attempted robbery and conspiracy. She was being held at Baylor Correctional Institution near New Castle in lieu of $11,500 secured bail.
Police release photo in New York Fried Chicken robbery