Baltimore pair busted in 3300 dollar Newark retail theft with heroin found in car
NEWARK, DE – A shoplifting call at a Newark sporting goods store led to the arrest of two Baltimore residents Wednesday afternoon after troopers said more than 3300 dollars in merchandise was targeted and suspected heroin was discovered in their vehicle.
Troopers responded at approximately 4:00 p.m. to Dick’s Sporting Goods, located at 100 Center Drive, for a report of a shoplifting in progress.
Investigators said Ron Wardlaw, 47, and Lashonda Rooks, 43, walked through the store selecting more than 3300 dollars worth of merchandise. At one point, Rooks entered a fitting room with items while Wardlaw exited the store, leaving a shopping cart filled with merchandise near the front entrance.
According to police, Wardlaw then spoke with an unidentified third individual who entered the store in an apparent attempt to retrieve the cart. Store employees had already recovered the merchandise before it could be removed.
When troopers arrived, Wardlaw attempted to leave the area in a vehicle but was stopped a short distance from the store. Rooks was located inside a fitting room, where police said she was cutting security tags from products with a tool.
Both were taken into custody without incident. The unidentified third accomplice fled before police arrived.
During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately 17.85 grams of suspected heroin.
Wardlaw was transported to Troop 6, charged with multiple felony offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a 60000 dollar secured bond.
Information regarding Rooks’ charges and bond conditions was not immediately available.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- Two Baltimore residents arrested after 3300 dollar shoplifting attempt in Newark
- Police recovered suspected heroin during vehicle search
- One suspect committed on 60000 dollar secured bond
