Maryland man accused of planning break-in at Marydel smoke shop
MARYDEL, DE — An early-morning stop on Halltown Road led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Maryland man investigators say was preparing to break into a local smoke shop, tying him to an attempted burglary at the same business a week earlier.
Detectives began reviewing the initial incident on February 8, when someone wearing dark clothing, gloves, and a mask tried to force entry into Smoke Needs at 825 Halltown Road during overnight hours using a hammer. The attempt caused damage but the suspect did not make it inside.
At about 2:15 a.m. on February 15, detectives saw a Toyota Camry park near the same business and contacted the driver, identified as Ryan Harding of Henderson, Maryland. Harding was wearing dark clothing and latex gloves when approached and was detained without incident.
Investigators said they later determined Harding had been planning to burglarize the store and identified him as the same person involved in the earlier attempt. A consent search of the vehicle turned up burglary tools.
Harding was taken to Troop 3, charged, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and released on a $3,100 unsecured bond.
Key Points
- Investigators linked Ryan Harding to an attempted break-in at Smoke Needs on Halltown Road
- Detectives encountered Harding near the store on February 15 wearing dark clothing and gloves
- Burglary tools were found in his vehicle and he was released on unsecured bond after arraignment