A multi-day investigation into a series of forced-entry break-ins ended with a traffic stop and arrest.
Newark, DE – A Philadelphia man is in custody after Delaware State Police linked him to a string of commercial burglaries targeting businesses across Newark and Wilmington earlier this month. The arrest followed a coordinated investigation that tracked a pattern of forced entry and thefts during overnight hours.
Troopers first responded around 4 a.m. on March 8 to an Exxon gas station on Ogletown Stanton Road, where an unknown suspect forced entry by damaging the front door lock and stole an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing. A week later, a similar burglary was reported at White Clay Liquors, where cash and multiple packs of cigarettes were taken.
Pattern of break-ins leads to suspect identification
A third burglary later that same day at Country Tobacco in Wilmington followed the same method, with the suspect again forcing entry through the front door and stealing cash. In each case, the suspect wore a face mask and targeted businesses during early morning or late-night hours.
Key Points
- Police linked three burglaries in Newark and Wilmington to a single suspect
- Suspect used tools to force entry and stole cash and cigarettes
- Arrest was made during a traffic stop on Friday after identification
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit determined the suspect used a dark-colored pickup truck and switched its registration plate with one stolen from a similar vehicle. Detectives also found the suspect had entered at least one store prior to the burglary, indicating the location may have been surveyed in advance.
Through investigative efforts, authorities identified the suspect as 58-year-old Frederick Fenton of Philadelphia and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Arrest made during patrol stop
On Friday, troopers patrolling New Castle Avenue spotted Fenton’s vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and took him into custody without incident. He was transported to Troop 2, where he was charged and later arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11.
Fenton was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $32,500 secured bond.