DSP make arrest in robbery of Rehoboth hotel

Troopers have arrested a Lewes woman in connection with an early morning robbery at a local hotel. The incident occurred around 4:15 a.m. this morning.  

A female suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Michelle Bloothoofd of Lewes, entered the Econo Lodge located at 19540 Coastal Highway and approached the male employee at the desk. 

Bloothoofd implied that she had a gun and demanded the money from the register. The clerk informed the suspect that there was no money and walked into an office, locking the door behind him , and calling 911.

She then threatened to shoot the victim through the door if he didn’t unlock it, but then walked behind the counter and unsuccessfully attempted to open the cash drawer. After attempts she opened several drawers and removed over $400.00 in petty cash before the first trooper arrived on scene.

As the trooper entered the lobby of the hotel, he informed Michelle Bloothoofd  that she was under arrest for robbery, but she refused to comply with his commands to place her hands behind her back and was subsequently taken into custody after a brief struggle.

Michelle Bloothoofd was transported back to Troop 7 in Lewes where she was charged with Robbery 1st, Resisting Arrest, Terroristic Threatening, and Failure to Comply with Taking of Photo and Fingerprints. She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $28,000.00 secured bond.