Delaware Police Arrest Two on Burglary Charges

Delaware State Police recently announced charges against two suspects who allegedly burglarized the now-closed Emily Bissell Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware. The investigation started in August 2024 after police received several complaints of trespassing and theft from the vacant hospital. As a result, troopers began conducting surveillance there.

On September 8, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., surveillance captured an unknown white male arriving on foot and carrying a large backpack. The suspect would later be seen leaving with copper piping and other materials removed from the building. These efforts caused significant damage to the facility, police say.

On September 10, 2024, at approximately 11:51 p.m., surveillance cameras alerted detectives to two individuals, who were later identified as the suspects, entering the building. Troopers arrived at the facility and heard what sounded to them like a loud sawing noise coming from the inside of the building. Troopers began a search of the building and found both suspects. They were both taken into custody. The male suspect was found in possession of the same backpack used on the September 8 burglary.

The suspects have been charged with:

• 2 counts of Burglary 3rd Degree
• Possession of Burglar Tools
• 2 counts of Criminal Mischief Over $5,000
• Conspiracy 2nd Degree
• Theft Under $1,500
• Attempted Theft Under $1,500

Burglary in the 3rd Degree 

In Delaware, Burglary in the Third Degree is considered a class F felony. It occurs when an individual knowingly enters or remains in a building without permission and with the intent to commit a crime. In this case, the crime the defendants are charged with committing is the theft of copper and other valuable materials from the abandoned hospital. A class F felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 3 years. The aforementioned defendant is facing 2 counts of Burglary in the Third Degree.

Possession of Burglar Tools 

Delaware makes it a crime to possess burglary tools. Under the law, Possession of Burglary Tools is also considered a class F felony. The crime is defined as possessing any tool, instrument, or other thing that is designed or commonly used to commit or facilitate:

• Unlawful entry into a premises
• Unlocking, overriding, or disabling a security device without authorization
• Forcibly breaking open safes, vending machines, or other depositories of property
• Identity theft

A person is considered to be in possession of burglary tools if:

• They have the intent to use the tools to facilitate a burglary
• They have the tools at a time and place near the commission of a burglary
• Have the tools under circumstances that are not appropriate for their lawful uses

Possession of Burglary Tools is often charged as a secondary offense for burglary.

Talk to a Wilmington, DE Criminal Defense Attorney Today 

Michael W. Modica represents the interests of Delaware residents who are facing serious criminal charges. If you are facing serious criminal charges, then you need a compassionate and experienced Wilmington criminal defense attorney who will advocate for your interests. Call our office today to schedule an appointment, and learn more about how we can help.

Source:

dsp.delaware.gov/2024/09/12/troopers-arrest-two-suspects-in-new-castle-burglary-at-former-hospital-site/