Delaware investigators linked the suspects to thefts at multiple stores before their arrests
NEWARK, Del. — Two Maryland residents are accused of carrying out a weeks-long retail theft spree across Delaware that ended with an attempted robbery after a store employee was pepper sprayed during an escape, according to Delaware State Police.
Investigators identified the suspects as 37-year-old Matthew Osborne and 25-year-old Haley Barton, both of North East, Maryland.
According to state police, the investigation began on June 29 after troopers responded to a reported shoplifting at Home Depot on Peoples Plaza in Bear. Investigators allege Barton loaded a shopping cart with more than $800 worth of power tools before fleeing to a pickup truck driven by Osborne. Customers followed the pair and recorded the incident, prompting Barton to abandon most of the merchandise before they drove away.
Police allege the pair continued targeting stores throughout July, including multiple thefts at ShopRite locations in Newark, two thefts from Lowe’s on Ogletown Road and the theft of more than $560 worth of airsoft rifles from Cabela’s near Christiana Mall.
The investigation culminated on July 27 at a ShopRite on Chestnut Hill Road, where police allege Barton attempted to leave with more than $200 worth of unpaid merchandise. When store employees recognized her and tried to stop her, investigators said she pepper sprayed an employee while Osborne entered the store to help her escape.
Delaware State Police said detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit connected Osborne and Barton to each of the reported incidents.
The pair was arrested July 29 in North East, Maryland. Police said they will be extradited to Delaware to face charges.
Osborne is charged with attempted first-degree robbery, multiple counts of possession of shoplifters’ tools, organized retail theft, conspiracy, shoplifting and related offenses.
Barton faces charges including attempted first-degree robbery, multiple counts of possession of shoplifters’ tools, organized retail theft, conspiracy, carrying a concealed dangerous instrument, shoplifting and related offenses.
The charges are allegations. Osborne and Barton are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Delaware State Police arrested two Maryland residents accused of a retail theft spree spanning multiple stores in Newark and Bear.
- Investigators allege one suspect pepper sprayed a ShopRite employee during an attempted getaway on July 27.
- The suspects were arrested in Maryland and are awaiting extradition to Delaware to face multiple felony charges.
