DELAWARE STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING ROBBERY AT TACOS CHABELITA IN LAUREL

Laurel, DE - The Delaware State Police are investigating a robbery at Tacos Chabelita, located at 30661 Sussex Highway, Laurel, Delaware, on September 8, 2024, around 10:22 p.m.

The suspect is an unidentified black male who entered the restaurant, physically attacked the victims, and forcefully took money that the employees had on a table. Before making his escape, the perpetrator caused significant property damage by breaking the restaurant's windows and damaging a car in the parking lot.

The assailant also exhibited violence towards another individual through an assault with a hammer. The suspect remains at large despite an immediate search of the surrounding areas. The victims of this incident faced minor injuries due to the assault.

The police have shared a description of the suspect, a black male between 5'10 and 6'02, with a medium build. He was last spotted in gray sweatpants and either a white or black shirt. Imagery and footage from the surveillance cameras aren't available at the moment.

Delaware State Police Troop 4 is actively involved in investigating this serious incident. They urge anyone with helpful information about this case to contact Det. D. Hickman at (302) 752-3856.

Information can also be provided through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

***Update 10/3/2024***
The Delaware State Police have arrested 24-year old Deante Massenburg of Chesapeake, Virginia for robbery of Tacos Chabelita.  

Through investigative means, detectives identified Massenburg as the suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. On September 17, 2024, Massenburg was arrested in New York and on October 2, 2024, he was extradited to Delaware.

He was taken to Troop 4 where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $29,300 cash bond.

• Robbery 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Attempt to Commit Robbery 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Assault 2^nd Degree - Causes Injury with a Weapon (Felony)
• Reckless Endangering 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Assault 3^rd Degree
• Offensive Touching
• Criminal Mischief - 2 counts