Serial Robbery Suspect Nabbed

Location:
November 23, 2009, 8:30 p.m.- Dunkin Donuts: 2462 Pulaski Hwy, Newark, Delaware
November 23, 2009, 11:30 p.m.- Dunkin Donuts: 3804 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware
November 30, 2009, 4:45 p.m.- Cold Stone Creamery: 2470 Pulaski Highway, Newark, Delaware
December 8, 2009, 9:47 p.m.- Rite Aid Pharmacy: 1602 Capitol Trail, Newark, Delaware
December 9, 2009, 9:36 p.m.- Happy Harry’s: 536 Main Street, Wilmington, Delaware

Date of Occurrence: See above

Suspect(s): David Choma, 31, of Marabou Drive in New Castle, Delaware

Resume: Over the course of several days, the Delaware State Police Robbery Squad had been investigating a series of incidents in which a subject had entered the above listed establishments and robbed the stores by implying or displaying a weapon. In each of the incidents, the bandit was demanding cash.

A break came in the case when a detective from the New Castle County Police Department shared an internet tip in which David Choma was identified as the robber. DSP Detectives compared surveillance video from several of the robberies and noted a positive match to a mug shot of David Choma on file.

Arrest warrants were obtained charging Choma with the following offenses: four counts of Robbery (felony), one count of Attempted Robbery (felony) and one count of Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony (felony).

Choma was arrested yesterday. Detectives located him driving on Salem Church Road in the area of Chapman Road. Initially, Choma tried to flee in his vehicle; however, his car got stuck in the snow. He then fled from his car on foot and investigators apprehended him after a brief foot chase and struggle. He was transported back to Troop 2 for his arraignment. Bail was set at $111,000.00 cash and Mr. Choma was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute.