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17-Year-Old Robbed While Trying to Sell Cell Phones 10-24-16

Dover Police Department

Incident/Complaint#:  50-16-35822

Date/Time:  Sunday, October 23rd, 2016 at 7:00PM

Location:   348 United Way, C Building, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred Sunday evening in C Building of 348 United Way.  A 17-year-old male victim arrived at 7:00PM, believing that he was meeting a buyer for two iPhones.  A black male suspect met with him in the building and displayed a handgun.  The suspect then removed an undisclosed amount of cash from his wallet and an iPhone from his pocket, fleeing out the south exit towards the Capitol Green neighborhood afterwards.  The suspect is described as a black male, early 20’s, 6′ tall, 220 lbs, with facial hair, and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com or through the Dover Police Department MyPD Mobile App

The Dover Police Department would like to remind the public that the department allows the use of the parking lot, front entrance, and surrounding areas of the police department for online sales meets.  Buyers and sellers may also utilize the porch area of the front entrance to the police department under the overhang, but must not hinder the anyone’s ability to enter or exit the department.  Please keep in mind that the department nor any of its employees will act as a witness to a sale or be involved in any agreements or civil matters involving sales once completed.  The Dover Police Department is simply allowing a safe haven for sales to take place without interrupting police operations or access to police services.  The Dover Police Department is also sharing the following tips for those who choose not to use the designated department locations:

  • Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, shopping center parking lot, etc.
  • Do not meet in a secluded place, or invite strangers into your home.
  • Be especially careful buying/selling high value items.
  • Consider making high-value exchanges at your local police station.
  • Tell a friend or family member where you’re going or when you’re having a buyer/seller in your home.
  • Take your cell phone along if you have one.
  • Consider having a friend accompany you.
  • Trust your instincts.

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