One suspect arrested in beating, theft from Lewes man, another still at large

One of two suspects in the beating and robbery of a 67-year-old Lewes man on April 10 has been arrested, Delaware State Police said.

Police said  25-year-old John Schaefer of Georgetown was arrested Thursday in the area of  in the area of the Rehoboth Beach Canal Bridge.

The other suspect,  27-year-old Amber Hoopes of Lewes, is still  at large, police said in a news release.

The incident occurred on  April 10  at around 1:18 p.m. in  the 20000 block of Wil King Road when an argument between the 67-year-old landlord and his  tenant turned into a violent robbery. 

Schaefer, the tenant, allegedly physically assaulted the the victim during the argument and while the victim was on the ground, Schaefer grabbed his wallet and removed cash. He also took the victim’s cellphone, eye glasses and keys, police said. 

Hoopes, 27, was present during the assault and both suspects fled the residence in the victim's black Cadillac Escalade with Delaware license plate No. 22607. 

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries, police said

Police said troopers found drug paraphernalia in Schaefer’s possession when they arrested him at around noon on Thursday. 

He was taken to Troop 7 and charged with robbery first degree, criminal mischief, theft of a motor vehicle, malicious interference with emergency communication, conspiracy second degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Schaefer was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $64,300 secured bond.