Newark Police arrest Texas man for strong-arm robbery

2:11 p.m., April 13, 2015--Newark Police have arrested a 24-year-old Texas man in connection with a strong-arm robbery of a woman that occurred around 9 a.m., Saturday, April 11, in the 600 block of Lehigh Road in Newark.

A woman met the defendant, Mutaz Albeladi of San Antonio, Texas, for a blind date at an apartment on Lehigh Road. As she was leaving, Albeladi walked with her to her car in the parking lot. They sat in the car for a period of time, and then Albeladi attempted to take the victim's purse from the back seat. A struggle ensued, and the victim was dragged from the car while trying to keep her purse. The victim was able to bite Albeladi's arm before the purse strap broke, and he fled the area on foot.

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The victim was able to tell officers the apartment location, and Albeladi was located there later in the day. The purse was located in a dumpster in the parking lot a short distance away. 

Albeladi was taken into custody without further incident and charged with second degree robbery and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $2,000 secured bond.

Neither the defendant nor the victim is associated with the University of Delaware.

Anyone with additional information on this incident should contact Officer Taras Gerasimov at 302-366-7100, ext. 3474 or Taras.Gerasimov@cj.state.de.us . Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD, with the message to TIP411. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available.

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Photo courtesy of Newark Police Department