Troopers Make Arrest in Robbery of Rehoboth Hotel

Rehoboth, DE – Delaware State Troopers report that they 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, Wednesday, December 2, 2015, when a female suspect entered the Econo Lodge located at 19540 Coastal Highway and approached the 55-year-old male employee at the desk. The female implied that she had a gun and demanded the money from the register. The male clerk informed the suspect that there was no money and walked into an office, locking the door behind him, and calling 9-1-1. The female 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. She then 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 the female that she was under arrest for the 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. A search of the suspect, who was identified as Michelle L. Bloothoofd, 42 of Lewes, revealed her to be in possession of the cash she had just taken from the drawers.

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.