NEW CASTLE, Del. — A 24-year-old Claymont man was arrested Tuesday in connection with an armed robbery at a Papa John’s pizzeria last week, Delaware State Police said. Michael Smith was taken into custody near a bus stop in New Castle after a brief foot chase.
The robbery occurred around 3:00 a.m. on October 1 at the Papa John’s location. According to investigators, an unidentified man entered the store, confronted two employees, and brandished a firearm while demanding cash. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of money.
Police said investigative leads identified Smith as the suspect. On October 8, detectives found him near Carvel Avenue and New Jersey Avenue, accompanied by a child who is a relative. Smith attempted to flee, leaving the child behind, but was apprehended shortly afterward.
Smith was charged with offenses related to the armed robbery and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2. He was subsequently committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $52,000 cash bond.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the investigation or the child’s welfare following the incident.
