Delaware — The Newark Police Department is investigating a reported sexual assault that occurred on Saturday.
At 2:00 am, Newark Police received a 911 call reporting a sexual assault that just occurred. Responding officers contacted the victim of the assault, a 21 year-old female. She reported that she was walking on South Chapel Street in the area of East Delaware Avenue in Newark. She said that a GMC pick-up truck pulled up to her and the male driver told her that he was driving for a ride share service and offered her a ride home. The victim had not called for a ride.
The victim got into the vehicle and the driver began to drive northbound on North Chapel Street. At one point in the drive, while at an undetermined area, the driver pulled over and produced a knife. The driver then told the victim to perform a sexual act with him, while displaying the knife. After the sexual act was completed, the driver then continued to drive the victim.
Once on Vassar Drive in Newark, the victim was able to exit the vehicle and went to a nearby residence where 911 was called.
Detectives located the suspect vehicle parked at a residence on Nottingham Road in Newark. Detectives immediately began to conduct surveillance on the vehicle. They determined that the registered owner of the vehicle matched the description of the suspect. When the suspect left the residence, he was stopped by officers and found to have a knife in his possession. As the Detectives continued the investigation, they developed further probable cause to arrest the suspect.
The suspect, Roberto Rodriguez, 41, of Newark, was transported to Newark Police Headquarters where he was charged with the following offenses:
- Rape First Degree
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
- Unlawful Sexual Contact Third Degree
- Theft Under $1500
- Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications
The theft and malicious interference charges are the result of Rodriguez taking the victim’s phone from her to prevent her from calling the police.
Rodriguez appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 in New Castle where he was ordered to be held on $63,000 cash bail.
