UPDATE: The Dover Police Department has arrested a suspect in the August 8th shooting that occurred inside of a Royal Farms convenience store. Stevenson Benoit (31) of Newark, DE, was identified as a suspect during the investigation and detectives obtained warrants for his arrest. At approximately 6:05 p.m. on September 16th, 2021, Benoit turned himself in at the Dover Police Department.
Benoit was committed to SCI on a $22,000 secured bond on the following offenses:
-Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
-Tampering with Physical Evidence
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Newark, DE
Incident Number: 50-21-23445
Date/Time: Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at 1:59 a.m.
Location: Royal Farms, 295 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred inside of a Royal Farms convenience store. At approximately 1:59 a.m., officers responded to the business for a report of shots fired. During interviews with store employees and reviewing video footage, it was determined that two males were engaged in a fight inside of the business. During the altercation a single shot was heard and everyone fled the business. While officers were on scene, a 35-year-old male arrived by private vehicle to Bayhealth Kent Campus with a gunshot wound to the right pelvic area. The victim told officers that he was at a local establishment prior to Royal Farms and had no altercations or issues with anyone and that he was randomly confronted at Royal Farms.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7111. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.
