Police investigation

Article by UDaily staff Photo courtesy of Newark Police November 07, 2017

Middletown man arrested for multiple assaults

Newark Police have arrested Kyair Benson, 19, of Middletown, Delaware, for two separate incidents of assault.

At approximately 2 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, Newark Police responded to East Park Place and South College Avenue for a report of an assault that had just occurred. Officers located three men suffering injuries: An 18-year-old male University of Delaware student had cuts and swelling to the head and neck area; a second 18-year-old male UD student had a wrist and hand injury, and a 20-year-old male UD student had serious head and facial injuries. Both 18-year-olds were treated and released at the scene, and the 20-year-old man was transported to Christiana Hospital by Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder ambulance.

The investigation revealed that two individuals had been denied entry into a party. This denial occurred as the three victims were leaving the area of this party. Several minutes later, as they were walking about a block away from the party, the 20-year-old victim was attacked from out of nowhere by a subject who was believed to be the same person just denied entry at the party. With the use of city surveillance cameras, officers were quickly able to identify the incident and the suspect. Arrest warrants were obtained for Kyair Benson.

Kyair Benson

As a result of this investigation, Benson also was linked to another incident which occurred at approximately 2 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 10. At that time, Newark Police responded to Prospect Avenue for a report of an assault. In this incident, two male UD students, ages 21 and 23, were walking on Prospect Avenue when a group of five unknown males began to harass a woman they were walking with. When the 23-year-old victim told them to stop, he was attacked by the unknown subjects. He was transported to Christiana Hospital for head and facial injuries.

On Nov. 6, Benson was arrested for the two described incidents. He was charged with two counts of third degree assault, three counts of offensive touching and one count of third degree conspiracy. He was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $3,000 secured bail.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident should Newark Police at 302-366-7111. 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 online at www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available.

Safety tips

UD Police shared the following safety tips:

• Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with a group, ride a UD shuttle bus or call 302-831-2222 for a walking escort.

• Show a confident attitude and be alert and aware of your surroundings. Follow common sense safety precautions at all times.

• Report all suspicious activity by calling 911 from on or off campus.

Members of the UD community may download a free smartphone app, LiveSafe, that lets users submit tips to police, receive important broadcast notifications and contact the University of Delaware Police Department directly. To learn more, visit this UD Police website.

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