Man arrested after shoplifting escalates to armed robbery at Wilmington Royal Farms

WILMINGTON, Del. -- A New Castle man, identified as Luis Andino, was arrested Friday afternoon following a shoplifting incident that escalated into a robbery with a box cutter, according to Delaware State Police. The event occurred at a Royal Farms store located at 1031 South Market Street.

Troopers arrived at the scene around 12:07 p.m. on March 14 after receiving reports of the incident. Their investigation revealed that the 26-year-old spent some time concealing merchandise and taking a fountain drink before attempting to leave the store without paying.

When confronted by a store employee, Andino initially exited but returned armed with a box cutter. A verbal confrontation ensued, during which he threw the drink at the employee and tried to leave again. However, he turned back and engaged in a physical struggle with the worker before police arrived.

Fortunately, the employee did not suffer any injuries, and none of the other customers in the store were harmed during the altercation.

After being taken into custody without further incident, Andino was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and subsequently committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $25,000 cash bond.