Wilmington, DE – A New Castle man was arrested Friday afternoon after a shoplifting incident escalated into an attempted robbery at a Royal Farms store in Wilmington.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers responded to the store at 1031 South Market Street around 12:07 p.m. on March 14, 2025, following reports of a robbery. The suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Luis Andino, allegedly entered the store, grabbed a fountain drink, and concealed merchandise before attempting to leave without paying.
A Royal Farms employee confronted Andino near the cash registers, prompting the suspect to briefly leave the store. Police say he returned moments later armed with a box cutter and engaged in a verbal altercation with the employee, throwing the fountain drink at them. As he began to leave again, Andino allegedly turned back and confronted the worker a second time with the weapon in hand, leading to a physical struggle.
Troopers arrived at the scene shortly after and took Andino into custody without further incident. Authorities confirmed the employee was not injured.
Andino was charged with Attempted to Commit Robbery 1st Degree (Felony) and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2. He was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $25,000 cash bond.
