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4 students charged in armed robbery 11:33 a.m., March 6, 2006--Four University of Delaware students were arrested by Newark Police on Sunday, March 5, and charged with several counts of first degree robbery and burglary after an early morning incident at an off-campus apartment of two other students in Newark. Arrested were Demetrice Alexander, 20, and Daniel Jones, 19, both of 43 Madison Drive; Jeffery Robinson, 20, of 12 Madison Drive; and Tyrone Heggins, 22, of 316 Wharton Drive. Three are members of the UD football team: Alexander is a sophomore linebacker, Jones is a sophomore running back and Robinson is a junior defensive back. Heggins is a senior at the University. "The University is very concerned about the alleged actions of these students," Cynthia Cummings, associate vice president for campus life, said. "We must ensure that they pose no threat to members of the University community. Therefore, the Office of Judicial Affairs has taken the necessary steps to expel the students from the campus, according to procedures set forth in the Student Guide to University Policies. This action will remain in effect until the charges are dismissed or until the students are acquitted of the charges." UD head football coach K. C. Keeler announced the immediate suspension of the three players. They will be terminated from the program permanently if they are found to have any involvement in the crime. "People are innocent until proven guilty, but due to the severity of this situation, we are suspending these three immediately," Keeler said. "If any of the three is found to be involved in this crime in any way, each will be terminated." Around 1 a.m., March 5, a 20-year-old male UD student heard a knock on his apartment door in Park Place Apartments. He opened the door and was confronted by three masked individuals, with one waiting outside. One of them was holding a shotgun. When an altercation ensued, the masks from two of the suspects were pulled from their faces, and the victim recognized them. The struggle continued with the victim being forced to the ground and the shotgun pointed at his head. He was then forced into a bedroom closet. A 19-year-old female UD student then entered the room, and the gun was pointed at her. The suspect with the gun took property from her at gunpoint. After ransacking the residence for additional property, the suspects fled. The male victim suffered minor lacerations and refused treatment. Newark Police performed search warrants at the defendants' residences and took them into custody. Alexander is charged with two counts of first degree robbery, first degree burglary, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, second degree conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for keeping controlled substances and possession of marijuana. Jones and Robinson are charged with two counts of first degree robbery, first degree burglary, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, two counts of unlawful imprisonment and second-degree conspiracy. Heggins is charged with two counts of first degree robbery, first degree burglary, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, second degree conspiracy and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. All four were incarcerated in the Howard Young Correctional Facility in lieu of bond. Alexander, Jones and Robinson were reserve players for the Blue Hen football team. Alexander played in all 11 games in a backup role this past fall and recorded 23 tackles, including 2.5 sacks. Jones, a backup running back, was the team's third leading rusher, running for 324 yards on 64 carries, including a 121-yard effort vs. West Chester and 108 yards vs. Maine. Robinson played in five games and had two tackles. |
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