Man charged after hitting family member with vehicle, robbing victim: officials

NEWARK, Del. - Delaware State Police announce a man is in custody who they say hit a family member with a vehicle and then robbed that victim. 

It happened Wednesday night around 6:45 p.m. in Newark at the Shell gas station on East Chestnut Hill Road, according to troopers.

Investigators said a 38-year-old man was walking through the parking lot when a red passenger vehicle struck him at a high rate of speed. The suspect then got out of the car and stole the victim’s wallet before fleeing the area, according to state police.

The suspect was identified as 31-year-old John Arce. Troopers say he is a family member of the victim.

Employees at the Dairy Queen nearby said surveillance cameras captured the entire incident. Manager Rebecca Hazeldine describes the horrific events that unfolded as seen in the video.

"It shows the guy getting hit, flying. There’s this sound. You can hear him being hit. It’s crazy," said Hazeldine. "I think the guy must’ve been waiting because he obviously knew that he was here. As soon as he came out of our bathroom and got into the middle of the road, that’s when he came speeding around the corner."

The victim was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

State Police also said Arce turned himself into police Friday. He has been charged with assault, robbery and other related charges. He is being held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $185,000 cash bond.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.