Newark Police Arrest Two Following Falsely Reported Robbery
On Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 9:00 a.m. the Newark Police responded to Delaware Distribution located at 111 Sandy Drive, Newark for a report of a robbery which was alleged to have just occurred. It was reported to police that an unknown suspect entered the business wearing a mask, aimed a handgun at an employee, and stole money from the business. The employee provided a description of the fleeing suspect, which was broadcast to responding officers.
An officer responding to the scene located a subject matching the provided description in the area of Otts Chapel Road and West Chestnut Hill Road. During a search of the detained subject, a large amount of cash was located. Another responding officer was able to view surveillance footage and positively identified the subject in custody as the suspect in the robbery. The subject in custody was identified as 23-year-old Malik Harper of Wilmington.
Detectives assumed the investigation and interviewed the employee who reported the incident. Details of the interview, evidence and surveillance footage led the detective to determine that the employee was involved and staged the robbery to disguise a theft of cash from the business. The employee was identified as 22-year-old Vibhav Kumar of Bear, DE. A pellet gun was recovered during the investigation.
Vibhav Kumar was charged with:
Theft $1500 or Greater (2 Counts)
Providing a False Statement to Hinder Investigation
False Report to Law Enforcement
Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Kumar was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and issued $6,500 unsecured bond. He was released from custody from Newark Police Headquarters.
Malik Harper was charged with:
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
Theft $1,500 or Greater
Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Harper was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and issued $10,000 secured Bond. Harper was transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of bail.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Bystricky at 302-366-7100 ext. 3136 or dbystricky@newark.de.us
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Vibhav Kumar
Malik Harper
