UPDATE: Police arrest Lewes man for multiple robberies

Police say they have arrested a Lewes man in connection with multiple robberies which reportedly occurred in the Rehoboth Beach area.

Lewes man Anthony Lynch, 28, was arrested Friday after police say they obtained evidence from the scenes, conducted interviews, and “utilized other investigative measures” and linked the suspect to three robberies in the Rehoboth Beach area.

According to detectives, the robberies occurred on Delaware Avenue and at the Tanger Outlets.

One incident was reported on Tuesday when a 22-year-old woman was apparently approached by a man while she was sitting on a bench outside of the Nautica Outlet located at 34485 Midway Outlet Drive. According to police reports, the suspect initially asked the victim for a lighter, but quickly grabbed her purse and began running north from the store. Police say she tried to chase the suspect but lost of him shortly after. Within a few hours of the crime, the purse was reportedly found inside the Superfresh store located at 18578 Coastal Highway with some of the contents still inside except for an undisclosed amount of cash. 

Lynch was arrested on Friday after police found him at a residence on Wil King Road and transported to Troop 4 in Georgetown, where he was charged with two counts of 2nd degree robbery.

He has been committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution.