Suspect Arrested After Robbery at DOT Discount Tobacco Store 7-6-2020

Incident Number: 50-20-16583

Date/Time:  Friday, July 3rd, 2020 at 4:52PM

Location:  DOT Discount, 321 Independence Blvd., Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   Sergeant Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department arrested 41-year-old William Smiley after a robbery at the DOT Discount Store on Independence Boulevard on Friday afternoon.  Officers responded to the area at 4:52PM for a report of an armed robbery.  It was learned that Smiley entered the business and asked the clerk for two packs of “Marlboro Menthol 100” cigarettes.  When the clerk began to scan the items, Smiley pulled a black  gun out, placed it on the counter, and demanded cash.  The clerk complied and Smiley fled with the cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of cash.  After talking with the clerk and reviewing video, officers were able to obtain a detailed description of the suspect.  A short time later, officers located Smiley in the area of Fieldstone Court.  Smiley was in possession or wearing the clothing that was observed on video.  Smiley was also in possession of the “Marlboro Menthol 100” cigarettes, a black BB Gun (Beretta replica), and an undisclosed amount of cash that was taken from the register of DOT Discount.

Smiley was committed to SCI on a $11,000 secured bond on the following charges:
-Robbery 1st Degree
-Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony