Two Charged in February Robbery

On May 5, 2021, Newark Police charged Benez Woodard, 20, of Newport News, Virginia, with robbery and related offenses stemming from a February 2, 2021 reported robbery on Hamlet Way.  In addition, on April 29, 2021, a 17 year-old male from Newark was also charged for the same incident.

At the time of the initial report, two victims reported that they arrived on Hamlet Way to visit a friend.  They reported that the friend came up to their vehicle and spoke with them.  A short time later, two males came to their vehicle and pointed a handgun at them while demanding their property.  The suspects stole personal property from the victims and fled the area.

Newark Detectives quickly determined that the incident did not occur exactly how it was reported and believed that the “friend” may have set-up a robbery of the two victims.

Both suspects turned themselves in to Newark Police and were charged with:

• Robbery First Degree
• Conspiracy Second Degree
• Theft Under $1500

Woodard appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video and was released on $7,000 unsecured bail .

The 17 year-old male was additionally charged with Aggravated Menacing. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $45,000 secured bail.  He was turned over to the custody of the New Castle County Detention Center in Wilmington.