Troopers Arrest Suspect for Gas Station Robbery

Delaware State Police have arrested James Rice, 40, of New Castle, DE for the robbery of a New Castle area gas station that occurred last night.

On June 5, 2023, at approximately 8:50 p.m., troopers responded to the Shell gas station located at 299 Christiana Road in New Castle for a reported robbery. The investigation revealed that a male suspect entered the business and confronted an employee who was counting money behind the sales counter. The suspect demanded the cash, pushed the employee, and grabbed the money. The suspect fled the store in a blue Ford F150 with an undisclosed amount of cash.

While troopers were on the scene still investigating the robbery, the suspect vehicle returned to the Shell parking lot with the same suspect inside. Troopers immediately took the suspect, identified as James Rice, into custody without incident and observed loose cash scattered inside of the vehicle.

Rice was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with Robbery Second Degree (Felony). Rice was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and posted bail on a $2,500 secured bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

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