WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware State Police have charged a Wilmington man in connection with two restaurant burglaries investigated earlier this month in a north Wilmington shopping center.
According to investigators, troopers responded at approximately 1:20 a.m. May 16 to Evergreen Chinese Restaurant on Miller Road for a reported security alarm activation.
When troopers arrived, police said they discovered the restaurant’s front door had been smashed. During the investigation, troopers also found similar damage to the front entrance of neighboring business Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken, according to investigators.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit later assumed the investigation.
Detectives alleged an unidentified masked suspect used a hammer to smash the glass front doors of both restaurants before entering the businesses and searching for cash. According to police, the suspect later fled the area on a bicycle.
Through the investigation, detectives identified 56-year-old Mark Waters of Wilmington as the suspect and also learned he allegedly had recently stolen merchandise from a nearby Home Depot in the same shopping center.
Police reported Home Depot employees contacted 911 on May 19 to report Waters allegedly was actively shoplifting inside the store.
Troopers responding to the area located Waters allegedly riding the same bicycle investigators believe was used during the burglaries, according to police.
Investigators said Waters allegedly fled when troopers attempted to stop him, leading officers on a brief pursuit through an alley in the 2700 block of North Pine Street before he attempted to enter a residence.
Detectives later took Waters into custody without further incident, police reported.
According to investigators, detectives subsequently executed a search warrant at Waters’ residence and recovered additional evidence allegedly linking him to the burglaries.
Police said Waters was transported to Troop 1, where he was charged with the following offenses:
- Wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony — two counts
- Burglary third degree — two counts
- Possession of burglar tools — two counts
- Theft under $1,500
- Attempted theft under $1,500
- Criminal mischief — two counts
Waters was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance, according to police.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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