WILMINGTON, Del. — Delaware State Police arrested a 53-year-old Wilmington man on Thursday in connection with a robbery at a Valero gas station. Luis Santiago was taken into custody following an incident that occurred late Thursday morning.
At approximately 11:18 a.m. on August 15, troopers were dispatched to the Valero gas station located at 1327 McKennan’s Church Road in Wilmington.
According to police, Santiago approached a woman at the gas pumps, forcibly took her cell phone, and fled the scene. However, his escape was thwarted when Good Samaritans pursued him and managed to restrain him. During the struggle, Santiago threw the stolen phone, causing it to be damaged. The victim sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Santiago also sustained injuries while being held down by the bystanders. While en route to a local hospital by ambulance, Santiago reportedly became disorderly and kicked an EMT. Upon arrival at the hospital, he continued to resist, leading to a minor injury to a hospital staff member.
After being treated and released from the hospital, Santiago was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2.
He was charged with robbery in the second degree, offensive touching of an EMT, assault in the third degree, and criminal mischief. Santiago was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and is currently being held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $7,100 cash bond.