DOVER POLICE BEAT: Violent thug who attacked victim while stealing from church poor box was caught and quickly released by Delaware Magistrate and immediately attacked and robbed two more victims hours later
DOVER, DEL. Police in Dover report that a violent criminal who attacked a person who attempted to stop him from robbing a poor box inside a Dover church fled but was quickly arrested and taken before a Magistrate who set him free immediately. Just hours later the same alleged dirtbag was back to preying on citizens, attacked two people and was once again handcuffed by police. Perhaps this time the Delaware system of releasing violent criminals might hold onto him this time.
Dover Police Spokesman Master Corporal Mark Hoffman, says that the Dover Police Department arrested Michael Hill, 38, twice on Saturday, July 27th, 2019 after committing two separate robberies.
The first incident occurred at approximately 7:44 AM when Hill entered the Holy Cross Church at 631 S. State Street and was stealing money from a collection container inside the church. When approached by a 68-year-old male from the church, Hill threw him to the ground and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police say those responding officers located Hill in the area of S. Governors Avenue and Water Street on a bicycle. When Hill was contacted, he fled on foot. Officers successfully took Hill into custody without incident. The money that was stolen was found on Hill and returned to the church.
Hill was then released on a personal recognizance bond on the following charges:
- -Robbery 2nd Degree
- -Resisting Arrest
- -Criminal Impersonation
- -Disorderly Conduct
At approximately 2:48 PM, officers responded to the area of S. New Street and Reed Street for a report of a robbery. A 34-year-old male was found with an injury to his eye and reported to police that a male suspect had struck him in the eye with a blunt object (possibly a bottle) and demanded money from him.
As a female acquaintance attempted to help the male victim into her car, the suspect continued to demand money and lunge at the female with the object in a threatening manner. When officers obtained the description of the suspect, it matched the earlier description of Michael Hill. The victims in the 2nd robbery were able to positively identify Hill as the suspect. Officers located Hill a short time later in the area of Reed Street and arrested him without incident.
Hill was then committed to SCI in default of $8,900 cash bond on the following charges:
- -Robbery 1st Degree
- -Assault 2nd Degree
- -Possession of Deadly Weapon During Commission of Felony
- -Aggravated Menacing