Seaford Shoplifting Suspect Charged After Assaulting Staff

Seaford, DE - A trip to the grocery store turned into a scary moment for employees at Save-A-Lot on Thursday. Police say a shoplifting suspect shoved, choked, and even threw an employee to the ground before trying to get away.

Seaford Police officers were called to the store around 4:16 p.m. on 6/25/26 for a reported shoplifting incident. Witnesses gave a description of the suspect, and officers found him nearby. He was identified as Cornell Bailey.

According to investigators, an employee spotted Bailey shoplifting and confronted him. Bailey allegedly pushed the employee away before trying to leave the store.

A second employee then stepped in to help. Police say Bailey grabbed that employee by the neck and threw them to the ground, leaving them injured.

During the struggle, the employee's cell phone fell to the floor, and Bailey allegedly took it with him.

A third employee tried to stop Bailey on his way out the door. That employee was also shoved against the wall by the neck, according to police.

Bailey now faces several charges, including Robbery 1st Degree (Victim 65 Years or Older), Assault 2nd Degree (Injury to Person 62 Years or Older), Shoplifting Under $1,500, and two counts of Offensive Touching.

He was taken to Sussex Correctional Institution, where he's being held on $23,600 secured bail.

Seaford Police are reminding the community that they always want to hear from anyone with information on cases like this one. If you know something about this incident, or any other criminal activity, you can reach out to the Seaford Police Department through their Facebook page or by calling (302) 629-6645.

You can also stay anonymous by contacting Delaware Crimestoppers. Call (800) 847-3333, or text "KEYWORD plus your message" to 274637. Tips that lead to an arrest may even earn you a cash reward.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.