A Dover woman is behind bars after police say she robbed and beat a 10-year-old over a bicycle in Wilmington.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 4:40 p.m., Tuesday in the area of Pike Creek Center Boulevard and Skyline Drive. The investigation determined a 10-year-old boy left his bicycle outside the Wawa on Linden Hill Road.
While inside making a purchase, police say the 10-year-old noticed his bicycle was missing and saw the suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Devine Washington, riding it in the area of Pike Creek Center Boulevard and Skyline Drive.
The boy chased after the suspect and was able to pick up the suspect’s cell phone that was dropped, according to police. The victim offered to give the cell phone back in exchange for his bicycle. The suspect initially agreed, but after she got her phone back police say she struck the child in the chest and tried to flee again on the stolen bicycle.
A 38-year-old man nearby witnessed the altercation as he was driving on Pike Creek Center Boulevard and stopped to intervene. The witness deescalated the altercation, according to police, and helped the juvenile recover his bicycle.
As the witness walked back to his vehicle, police say the suspect followed him and threatened him while reaching for her waistband implying she had a weapon.
Washington then allegedly entered the witnesses SUV and put it in drive, according to police. He was able to her before she could steal his vehicle. When the man tried to call 911, Washington reportedly knocked the phone out of his hand.
Troopers responded and located Washington who they say would not comply with commands. She was taken into custody after a brief physical altercation. A subsequent computer inquiry revealed she had active capiases from Kent County Court of Common Pleas and Family Court.
While on the way to the police station, Washington reportedly continued to act disorderly and caused damage to a State Police Tahoe.
Washington was charged with Attempted Robbery 1st Degree (Felony), Robbery 2nd Degree (Felony), Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, Malicious Interference with Emergency Communication, and Menacing. She was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $46,300 cash bond.