City of Wilmington
News from the Office of Police Chief Michael J. Szczerba

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Contact:
M/Sgt. Steven H. Barnes
Wilmington Police Headquarters
300 N. Walnut Street
(302) 576-3162 (office)

Robbery Suspect Surrenders

This evening, Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at approximately 6:00 p.m., Wilmington Police were summoned to the Brandywine Hills Apartments in the 4300 block of Miller Road by an off-duty Wilmington Police officer who had just been the victim of a robbery. The officer stated that she was shopping inside the Home Depot in the 4100 block of Miller Road. When she exited the building, an unknown subject snatched her purse from her arm. She began to fight with the assailant because her service weapon was inside of her purse. After a brief struggle, the suspect broke free from the officer and fled on foot. At this point the Officer followed the suspect in her private vehicle to the Brandywine Hills apartments, where she chased the man into one of the buildings. The suspect then ran to an apartment of an acquaintance and went inside. The acquaintance left the suspect inside the apartment alone and went outside and reported it to police. Shortly thereafter, Wilmington Police and CMTT Teams had the building surrounded. After approximately 1 ½ hours, the suspect surrendered peacefully after being contacted by the WPD Hostage Negotiation Team Members and several members of the community and family. He was transported to Wilmington Police Headquarters where he will await arraignment at JP Court #20.

The suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Korrie Smyre, whose last known address was the Plummer Center at 38 Todds Lane in Wilmington. Smyre is currently reported as an escapee from that facility.

The officer received and was treated for minor injuries from the struggle.

The officer's weapon and the proceeds from the robbery were recovered.

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