Victim's Vehicle Stolen, Suspects at Large... manhunt Underway

Bear, Delaware – Delaware State Police are investigating a gunpoint robbery that occurred on Monday afternoon in the parking lot of Salem Center in Bear.

According to the Delaware State Police, at approximately 2:15 PM on May 19, 2025, a report of a gunpoint robbery was received from the Salem Center parking lot, located at 1693 Pulaski Highway in Bear. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was arguing with one suspect in the parking lot when a second suspect approached and pointed a handgun at them. The two suspects then conspired to take the victim's vehicle and fled the shopping center.

The suspects are only known as unidentified males, and as of now, no CCTV footage or images have been secured.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit is continuing its investigation into this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone who witnessed the incident or has related information to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8472. Information can also be provided by sending a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook account or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

 
Incident Location and Background

The Salem Center, where this incident occurred, is one of the major shopping centers in the Bear area of New Castle County, Delaware. Located adjacent to Pulaski Highway (U.S. Route 40), it experiences heavy traffic and is known for its high pedestrian volume due to a variety of shops and restaurants. As the shopping center parking lot is a space regularly used by residents, news of a daylight vehicle robbery involving a firearm has raised concerns among local residents.

 
Delaware's Gun Crime Status and Response

Delaware is a state with a relatively low crime rate, but it has seen a slight increase in gun-related crime rates in recent years. This trend is particularly noticeable in areas near major cities or densely populated regions. The Delaware State Police are making various efforts to prevent and respond to gun crime.

Enhanced Law Enforcement: Efforts are being made to reduce crime rates through increased patrols and focused management of high-crime areas.
Community Partnership: Emphasizing public-private cooperation for maintaining public safety, such as activating citizen tip systems and operating crime prevention programs in conjunction with communities.
Strengthening Gun-Related Laws: Illicit gun trafficking and possession are being strictly cracked down upon, and discussions about gun control, including strengthening gun purchase procedures, are ongoing.
This incident is also expected to serve as an opportunity for the Delaware State Police to heighten vigilance against gun crime and explore more robust responses.

 
Victim Support Services Information

If you are a victim or witness of a crime, or if you need assistance after losing a loved one due to a sudden death, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center provides support and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461)
Email: DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov
The Delaware State Police are fully committed to the swift resolution of this case, while also intensifying efforts to enhance local public safety to prevent similar incidents from recurring.