Police: Two suspects arrested for attempted motel robbery

Two men have been arrested after police say they attempted to rob a motel near the Dover area on Friday evening.

55-year-old James Meadowcroft, Jr. and and 36-year-old Joseph Rompa were arrested in connection to the attempted robbery after police found evidence during a traffic stop linking the two suspects to the incident.

It was first reported around 7:13 p.m. Friday when police say Rompa entered the Microtel Motel on East Lebanon Road and confronted the female clerk. He was reportedly armed with what appeared to be a handgun, and also had a bandana covering his face.

According to police reports, Rompa demanded money; however, the clerk refused to comply with his demand.

He then allegedly fled from the motel and entered the passenger side of a black Ford Ranger, which then fled from the motel parking lot.

The female clerk, who was not injured, contacted 911 and was able to provide call takers with a description of the fleeing vehicle. The car was located a short time later near Route 13 and Webbs Lane.

The driver, later identified as Meadowcroft,  Jr., and Rompa were taken custody.

Rompa was charged with Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Aggravated Menacing, Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony, and Conspiracy 1st Degree. He was committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution in default of $55,000.00 cash bail.

Meadowcroft was charged with Attempted Robbery 1st Degree, Aggravated Menacing, and Conspiracy 1st Degree. He was also arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Institution in default of $50,000.00 cash bail.