Newark officer stops armed robbery of pizza deliveryman

NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) -- A Newark, Delaware police officer is being credited with stopping the attack and armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver.

The incident happened around 11 p.m. Tuesday near the Papa John's Pizza restaurant on the 100 block of East Main Street.

Corporal Brandon Walker was on patrol when he noticed a fight between three people behind the restaurant.

Police say a 20-year-old Papa John's delivery driver had exited the rear of the restaurant when he was approached by two suspects who pointed a handgun at him.

The victim struggled with the suspects as they hit him, choked him, and threatened to shoot him while demanding his property, according to police.

As Corporal Walker approached the group, the two suspects ran in opposite directions.

Walker quickly learned that this had been an attempted robbery and chased one of the suspects.

18-year-old Anthony Tucker was captured while the other suspect remains on the loose.

Police say Tucker dropped the gun on the ground prior to fleeing; it was later recovered by officers.

The victim suffered minor injuries during this incident and refused medical treatment.

Tucker is charged with Attempted Robbery 1st degree, Possession of a firearm during the commission of a robbery, Strangulation, and Conspiracy 2nd degree

He was committed to Howard Young Correctional Center on $128,000 cash bail.

Anyone with information should contact Detective James Skinner at 302-366-7100 ext. 3135.