Delaware State Police are currently investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the Oak Orchard area of Millsboro on Wednesday evening.
On September 14, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., troopers responded to the River Winds community in Oak Orchard regarding a shooting. The ensuing investigation revealed that two armed suspects had entered a residence in the neighborhood and confronted several victims inside. The suspects demanded money from the victims and threatened to shoot them if they did not comply. While the two suspects were inside of the home, a concerned citizen approached the residence to check on the nature of the disturbance that was occurring. When the man confronted the two suspects, one of them shot several rounds towards him and his vehicle. The victim was not struck by any projectiles, but he suffered minor injuries from shattered windshield glass. The two suspects then fled from the area on foot. It was later discovered that one of the rounds that had been fired had struck a nearby residence that was occupied by two adults and three juveniles. No one in the home was injured.
Troopers and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit conducted an extensive canvass of the surrounding areas in search of the suspects. One of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Marquise Bennett of Dover, Delaware, was located and taken into custody without incident. A search of Bennett revealed that he was in possession of approximately 27.67 grams of marijuana. A computer inquiry of Bennett showed that he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.
Bennett was transported to Troop 4 and charged with the following crimes:
- Robbery First Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Home Invasion Burglary First Degree (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony) – 3 counts
- Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony) – 6 counts
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony) – 3 counts
- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (Felony)
- Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
- Possession of Marijuana
- Terroristic Threatening – 2 counts
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Bennett was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $225,100 cash bond.
The second suspect remains unidentified at this time, and is only described as a black male. The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact Detective W. Saylor by calling 302-752-3897. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.