LEWES, DE – Delaware State Police arrested 57-year-old John Wanner of Lewes on charges of burglary and related offenses. The arrest occurred following a trespassing complaint at a residence on Clematis Street in Lewes.
The incident unfolded on January 12, around 5:30 p.m., when homeowners visiting their second property found an unknown male, later identified as Wanner, inside their home. Wanner fled the scene, leaving behind three cats and three dogs. A broken glass door suggested forced entry, and signs of habitation, including food on the stove, an operational TV, and animal waste, indicated Wanner had been living there.
A witness, who recognized Wanner as a former neighbor and maintenance worker of the development, aided in identifying him. During the search, police found a nearby residence with a broken door, though no entry was made
. Wanner was spotted running through the woods and, after a brief pursuit, was apprehended by the troopers.
Upon arrest, Wanner was found in possession of burglary tools, a dagger, and a folding knife. He was taken to Troop 7, charged with multiple offenses, and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3. He is currently held at Sussex Correctional Institution on a $77,250 cash bond.