Middletown police arrest car thief with key fob hidden in socks

by Phil Stilton

MIDDLETOWN, Del. — A 20-year-old Wilmington man was arrested early on September 4, 2024, after an attempted car theft in Middletown. Gabrielle Lopez was caught trying to enter a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro on Westown Way around 2:40 a.m. before fleeing in a gray Ford Fusion.

Middletown Police located Lopez at a nearby hotel and took him into custody. Upon searching him, officers found a security bypass cable and a key fob hidden in his socks.

Lopez has been charged with possession of burglar tools, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy. He was released on his own recognizance for these charges but is being held at the Howard Young Correctional Facility on a $2,500 secured bail for a separate failure to appear charge.