In broad daylight on a busy Wednesday afternoon, New Castle County was rocked by a violent and brazen robbery involving an armored truck. Authorities reported that three men, all armed with rifles, targeted a Loomis armored truck at the Restaurant Depot located in the 200 block of Cornell Drive, near Rogers Road. The suspects managed to escape with an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as a firearm taken from one of the truck's security guards.
The Incident and Immediate Police Response
The robbery occurred in the middle of the day, a time when many people are out and about, which added to the shock felt by residents and workers in the industrial area. According to police, the three suspects, described as Black males, confronted the armored truck and forcibly took control at gunpoint. The quickness and violence of the act left witnesses and local business employees stunned.
Almost immediately following the robbery, a heavy police presence descended upon the area. Officers swiftly mobilized to secure the scene and begin the pursuit of the suspects. State police informed local media that the suspects fled the scene on foot, heading towards the Oakmont development, a nearby residential and commercial zone. Authorities also identified a dark-colored Nissan SUV believed to be involved in the suspects’ getaway plan.
Public Safety Alert and Ongoing Manhunt
The Delaware State Police issued an emergency alert urging all residents and commuters in the vicinity to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911. The alert underscored the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the suspects were still considered armed and dangerous.
Residents of the nearby Oakmont area and surrounding neighborhoods were cautioned to stay indoors and be cautious as law enforcement conducted an active manhunt. The industrial nature of the neighborhood, with its mix of warehouses and businesses, provided multiple escape routes, complicating police efforts to quickly apprehend the suspects.
Community Reaction and Impact
Local residents expressed their concern and frustration over the incident. Many described the area as relatively quiet and safe, making the sudden violent robbery especially unsettling. One community member expressed the helplessness felt in such situations, wondering aloud about what could be done to prevent such crimes.
Despite the heavy industrial setting, some homes are located just down the street from the crime scene, meaning the event had an immediate impact on local families. Police urged those living in the area to stay alert and cooperate with authorities to help bring the suspects to justice.
Details Still Emerging
While police confirmed that the suspects successfully took cash and a firearm from one of the guards, the exact amount of money stolen has not yet been disclosed. The identities of the suspects remain unknown, but investigators continue to pursue leads as the search intensifies.
Journalists reporting live from the scene described the tense atmosphere, noting the swift police response and the ongoing efforts to piece together the sequence of events. The news has raised concerns about security measures for armored transport services and the potential risks posed to both guards and the public during such heists.
Conclusion
The daylight robbery of the Loomis armored truck in New Castle, Delaware, highlights the dangers faced by security personnel transporting large sums of cash, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when suspects are heavily armed and escape quickly. The community remains on edge as the manhunt continues, with police actively searching for three rifle-armed men believed to be on the run in a dark Nissan SUV. Authorities have called for public vigilance, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation to ensure safety and bring the perpetrators to justice. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
