Learning more about the Rehoboth Beach kidnapping case
47ABC learned more about the disturbing robbery, assault and kidnapping of an elderly couple in Rehoboth Beach, including how it could have happened in the first place.
According to charging documents, it all started early in the morning on Saturday when the suspect, Steven Snell, paid a visit to an ordinarily safe and quiet community, the Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club.
Police say an elderly couple, ages 82 and 81, had been expecting a painter that morning, so they left their garage door open.
The elderly man thought he heard his wife say the painter was outside, so he went outside to check, and instead saw an unfamiliar man standing in the road, talking on the phone.
Being friendly, police say the man waved to the suspect and the suspect waved back, and the man went back inside.
Just a moment later, police say the suspect, Snell, walked into the home uninvited.
Police say the suspect claimed his phone had died, and asked to use their house phone. The elderly man complied, but next thing he knew, he was in trouble.
Cpl. Jaffe said, "Low and behold, when the victim turned around, the suspect had grabbed him from behind and placed a box cutter up to his throat."
Police documents claim Snell then assaulted and robbed the couple, before tying up the husband and throwing him in the trunk of the couples car. The suspect then demanded the wife get into the front passengers seat, according to police.
Police say Snell then drove 10 minutes to an M&T Bank, where he demanded the wife withdraw more money, but that's when the situation took another turn.
As they walked back to the car, police say the wife grabbed onto the railing and refused to let go, possibly drawing the attention of another customer arriving to the bank.
Police say Snell panicked and drove off, eventually ditching the car with the elderly man still inside at a Subway close by.
The elderly man was able to escape the trunk through the emergency release button.
In the charging documents police say a surveillance camera at M&T Bank captured the struggle, leading police to Snell.
Fortunately for the couple, they walked away with only minor injuries.
Cpl. Jaffe said, "The male victim he did have a laceration to his chin and fortunately the female was unharmed."
The charging documents also revealed that police reached out to Snell's mother, who claimed he had left their home earlier in the morning with his grandfather. The grandfather had dropped him off at the Rehoboth Beach Park and Ride at around 8:30 that morning, according to the charging documents.
Snell was arrested and is currently being held under a $362,100 cash-only bond.
Police want to remind you that if you ever see anyone suspicious near your house or in your neighborhood, you should call police to avoid situations like this.
