Update #2 – Suspect Arrested – Newark Police Investigate Armed Sexual Assault

On May 4, 2019, after the release of photos of the suspect vehicle, Newark Police received various tips as to the possible suspect vehicle. Detectives, who had been working on the case non-stop since it was reported, immediately began to follow-up on the tips.

Detectives located the suspect vehicle parked at a residence on Nottingham Road in Newark. Detectives immediately began to conduct surveillance on the vehicle. They determined that the registered owner of the vehicle matched the description of the suspect. When the suspect left the residence, he was stopped by officers and found to have a knife in his possession. As the Detectives continued the investigation, they developed further probable cause to arrest the suspect.

The suspect, Roberto Rodriguez, 41, of Newark, was transported to Newark Police Headquarters where he was charged with the following offenses:

Rape First Degree

Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony

Unlawful Sexual Contact Third Degree

Theft Under $1500

Malicious Interference with Emergency Communications

The theft and malicious interference charges are the result of Rodriguez taking the victim’s phone from her to prevent her from calling the police.

Rodriguez appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 in New Castle where he was ordered to be held on $63,000 cash bail. Rodriguez was transported to the Howard R. Young Correctional Facility in Wilmington. No photo of Rodriguez is available at the time of this release.

Prior Releases: