WILMINGTON, DE — A 53-year-old Wilmington man faces multiple felony charges after Delaware State Police linked him to a series of alleged overnight business burglaries and an attempted burglary in the greater Wilmington area.
According to state police, the investigation began July 21 after troopers responded at approximately 10 a.m. to Metro PCS, 107 North Maryland Avenue, for a reported burglary.
Investigators allege a masked individual rode a scooter to the business during the overnight hours, shattered the front glass with a hammer, entered the store and stole merchandise before fleeing.
The following morning, troopers responded at approximately 9:15 a.m. to Charles Liquors, 807 Old DuPont Road, for another reported burglary. Police allege a similarly dressed masked individual used a hammer to enter the business, took merchandise and fled on a scooter.
A third reported burglary occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at the BP gas station, 3507 Miller Road. According to state police, an individual matching the description from the previous incidents allegedly forced entry with a tool, stole merchandise and fled before troopers arrived.
Detectives with the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit assumed the investigation and identified Eric Jackson, 53, as a person of interest, police said.
At approximately 2 a.m. Aug. 5, a trooper conducting business checks along Maryland Avenue encountered a man later identified as Jackson walking near 302 Smoke Land, 613 South Maryland Avenue. Police allege Jackson fled, and the trooper subsequently discovered damage to the business’s front glass consistent with an attempted burglary.
Additional troopers established a perimeter and later located Jackson riding a scooter, according to police. Investigators allege he fled from troopers before being taken into custody following a brief pursuit and struggle in Wilmington.
Police said a search following Jackson’s arrest recovered stolen merchandise and other evidence allegedly connecting him to the earlier burglaries.
During the investigation, detectives also learned that Elsmere police had responded to a separate business burglary in the 1500 block of Kirkwood Highway minutes before Jackson was encountered. State police allege Jackson possessed merchandise stolen during that incident and notified the Elsmere Police Department.
Jackson was charged with four felony counts each of wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony and possession of burglar tools, three felony counts of third-degree burglary, one felony count of attempted burglary, three counts of theft under $1,500, resisting arrest and four counts of criminal mischief under $1,000.
According to state police, Jackson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on $8,600 secured bail.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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