Smart phone nabs dumb criminals in Delaware

Four men crashed a party in Newark Saturday night, robbing patrons there, taking money and a cell phone with a GPS device.

Newark police say four men, all under the age of 20, broke into a party in a detached garage on Annabelle Street.  One man pointed a gun at the 15 party goers and demanded money and other valuables.  One of those at the party was beaten because he wouldn’t cooperate.  The 15 people are all of college age, none of them was seriously hurt.

The four fled on foot.  Police were told one of the cell phones had a GPS tracking device installed.  Police were able to track the the phone to the University Plaza shopping center.  All four were arrested, and police found a .38 caliber handgun believed used for the robbery. 

Newark Police say they can also connect the four men to a car jacking that took place in New Castle County earlier in the evening.

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Joseph Thomas of Bear, faces numerous charges and is accused of carrying the handgun.  Also in custody facing various charges are Matthew Travers of Middletown, Brett Chattin of Bear, and Joseph Hopkins of Wilmington.

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