Newark Police arrest two suspects

Article by UDaily staff Photos courtesy of Newark Police Department February 15, 2018

UD student assaulted, robbed on East Main Street

Feb. 16, 2018, update: Newark Police report that Matthew Peterson surrendered on Feb. 15. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 in New Castle and was remanded to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in default of $51,000 cash bail.

Newark Police have arrested two men in connection with the assault and robbery of a University of Delaware student that occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the area of 46 East Main St. in Newark.

Officers responded to the area to check out a report of a possible assault but were unable to locate anyone. They reviewed street-level cameras and observed what appeared to be an assault and robbery.

Police were able to identify the possible victim through identification located in the area of the incident and later located the victim, a 21-year-old male University of Delaware student, in his residence hall room with blood coming from his forehead. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to Christiana Hospital for the head injury.

Michael Hunter

In a detailed review of the surveillance videos in the area, the victim can be seen walking out of the 7-Eleven on East Main Street. He briefly speaks with three men, and, as he walks away, one of them runs up behind him and punches him on the side of the head, causing him to immediately fall to the ground unconscious. As the victim is on the ground, the three men rummage through his pockets and appear to steal some items. The men then flee to a parking lot and leave the area in a Jeep Cherokee.

In an unrelated incident, this same vehicle was stopped at approximately 1:53 a.m., Feb. 14, by another Newark Police officer, after it was seen traveling down East Main Street at a high rate of speed with no headlights on. The driver, Michael Hunter, 23, of Newark, was arrested for DUI, driving without headlights, driving while suspended, no proof of insurance and open container in a vehicle. There were also two other passengers in the vehicle., identified as Matthew Peterson, 23, of Middletown and Zachery Hedinger, 25, of Bear. The Jeep Cherokee was towed from the traffic stop.

Zachery Hedinger

On Feb. 14, Hunter and Hedinger were arrested when they came to Newark Police headquarters to claim the towed vehicle. Hunter was charged with first degree robbery, second degree conspiracy and wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony. He was transported to Howard Young Correctional Institute after failing to post $57,000 secured bail. Hedinger was charged with first degree robbery and second degree conspiracy. He also was transported to Howard Young Correctional Institute after failing to post $50,000 secured bail.

Warrants have been obtained for Peterson, charging him with first degree robbery and second degree conspiracy. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Newark Police.

Matthew Peterson

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident should contact Detective Bystricky at DBystricky@newark.de.us or 302-366-710 ext. 3136. Tips can be sent anonymously by texting 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.

Resources

UD Police remind the campus community to be vigilant. If you see something, say something. Be aware of your surroundings and use well-lit paths. Travel in groups when possible, and call 911 to report suspicious activity. Go to the UD Police website for more safety tips.

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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