Ogletown robbery stopped by hot beverage

Christiana Skating Center, 801 Christiana Road (Photo: Google maps)
Christiana Skating Center, 801 Christiana Road (Photo: Google maps)

OGLETOWN, DELAWARE (1/17/2016) A robber trying to take a woman’s purse outside the Christiana Skating Center was thwarted when a witness threw a hot beverage on him, Delaware State Police said Saturday.

The incident happened about 3:15 p.m. Friday at 801 Christiana Road (Route 273).

The 56-year-old woman was walking through the parking lot toward the center’s main entrance when the robber attempted to grab her purse. She refused to release it and fell to the ground, with the man pulling her along the ground as he tried to take the purse, police said.

When the witness threw the hot beverage on him, the robber released the purse and fled on foot toward Christiana Road.

The woman suffered minor injuries, police said, but declined medical treatment.

The robber was described as 30-40 years old, 5-feet-6 to 5-feet-10 and 160-175 pounds. He was wearing a dark jacket with a grey hooded sweatshirt underneath, and dark pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 302-365-8566.

Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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