A recent armed robbery at a grocery store in Wilmington, Delaware, has resulted in the arrest of two suspects following a thorough investigation by the Delaware State Police. The incident occurred on November 14, 2025, at around 15:30 local time, when two men allegedly entered the La Oaxaquena Grocery Store located at 107 North Maryland Avenue, demanding cash from an employee.
During the robbery, one of the suspects reportedly brandished a handgun, pointing it at both customers and staff. Authorities state that while attempting to reach over the counter, the armed suspect lost his balance and accidentally discharged the weapon. Fortunately, no one was injured during the frightening encounter. The suspects fled the scene with cash and personal belongings from an employee, escaping in a dark-colored sedan.
Following the robbery, detectives were able to identify the getaway vehicle as a black Hyundai Elantra with Virginia license plates. On November 15, 2025, Wilmington Police located this vehicle and conducted a traffic stop around 21:00. The driver was identified as Ignacio Reyes-Hernandez, who is suspected to be one of the robbers. He was taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Additional investigative efforts led authorities to identify the second suspect, Charles Carter, a 36-year-old Wilmington resident. Subsequently, a warrant was issued for Carter’s arrest. On January 12, 2026, members of the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force stopped a Toyota Camry in which Carter was a passenger. He was arrested without incident, and during a search, police allegedly found 9mm ammunition and six oxycodone pills in his possession.
A further search of the vehicle revealed approximately 0.68 grams of crack cocaine and a digital scale. Authorities noted that Carter was also wanted for several alleged shoplifting incidents at Concord Mall and Christiana Mall. Other occupants of the vehicle faced unrelated misdemeanor charges.
Following his arrest, Carter was transported to Troop 6, where he was formally charged and arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11. He was subsequently committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a total of $78,280 in combined cash and secured bonds.
Carter now faces an extensive list of charges, including first-degree robbery, multiple firearms-related felonies, reckless endangering, aggravated menacing, conspiracy, and drug possession, among others. It is important to note that all charges against him are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety and the impact of armed robberies in community spaces. As authorities continue their investigation, the Wilmington community remains vigilant.
