2 teens arrested in robbery of 78-year-old at Claymont Food Lion

A 12-year-old boy from New Castle and a 14-year-old boy from Wilmington were arrested in an Oct. 3 robbery outside the Food Lion at 3609 Philadelphia Pike in Claymont.

A third suspect is still on the run. The victim, a 78-year-old woman, got into an argument with the youths after one of them grabbed her handbag.

Both youths were charged with robbery and conspiracy and released to their families.

Troopers gave this account:

Officers responded shortly before 8 p.m. and the investigation revealed that the woman was approached by three men as she returned to her vehicle. The suspects were standing near the cart, which was next to her car.

When the victim tried to enter her car, one of the suspects grabbed her purse.

A brief struggle ensued, during which the contents of the bag fell to the floor. One juvenile then grabbed the victim’s car key fob from the ground and all three suspects ran away. The victim was not injured during the incident.

The suspects are described as black juvenile males. Two wore dark-colored clothing, while the third wore a light-colored hoodie.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective D. Armstrong at (302) 365-8440. Information can also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.