Wilmington, DE – Delaware State Police (DSP) have arrested Francis Rickards, 56, of Folsom, Pennsylvania, on charges of burglary and related offenses linked to several incidents at the closed Emily Bissell Hospital in Wilmington. DSP is actively searching for another suspect, Robert Potts, 47, of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, who remains at large and is wanted for similar charges.
The investigation started in August after troopers received multiple reports of trespassing and theft at the vacant hospital located at 3000 Newport Gap Pike. Troopers increased surveillance and patrols in response to these reports.
On September 4, at approximately 2:30 p.m., surveillance footage recorded a black Ford truck with Pennsylvania registration arriving at the property. Two white male suspects were seen loading what appeared to be stolen copper into the truck’s bed, causing significant damage to the facility.
On September 5, at around 11 p.m., the same truck returned. Two white males and one unknown white female were observed taking copper wiring from the site, causing further damage.
On September 6, at approximately 11:30 p.m.,
