State Police Arrest Man for Robbery and Stolen Vehicle Charges Stemming from Multiple Investigations

Delaware State Police arrested 51-year-old Elvis Cruz of Newark, Delaware, for multiple felony charges stemming from a stolen vehicle investigation that occurred at Christiana Hospital in Newark on Sunday afternoon, and a robbery investigation that occurred earlier this month at a Newark area Walgreens.

On October 15, 2024, at approximately 9:20 a.m., troopers responded to Walgreens, located at 4114 Ogletown-Stanton Road in Newark, for a late report of a robbery. The preliminary investigation revealed that on October 9, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., an unknown white male suspect entered the business, broke the glass on a display case, and removed merchandise. As the suspect was fleeing from the store, he threatened to shoot a Walgreens employee who was attempting to make contact with him. No weapon was displayed, and no one was hurt.

Through investigative means, troopers identified Elvis Cruz as the suspect involved in the robbery and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On October 27, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., troopers responded to Christiana Hospital, located at 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, for a report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arriving, troopers learned that the suspect stole an unoccupied silver Toyota Corolla that was idling in front of the hospital's Women and Children's Health Center while the Toyota's driver was delivering food. While reviewing the video surveillance, the hospital's constables recognized the suspect as Elvis Cruz from a previous vehicle theft investigation at the hospital. A subsequent computer inquiry positively identified Cruz as the suspect, and revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest, as well as, an active No Contact Order with the hospital's property.

Troopers responded to Cruz's residence, and found the stolen Toyota parked on a neighboring street. Troopers then made contact with Cruz at his residence, and took him into custody without incident.

Cruz was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $32,600 cash bond.

• Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
• Noncompliance with Conditions of Recognizance Bond or Conditions (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief Under $1,000