WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested a 24-year-old Wilmington man accused of stealing an engagement ring from a customer’s vehicle at a local car wash.
According to state police, troopers responded February 15, 2026, to Magic Car Wash at 3221 Naamans Road for a reported theft. Police said a customer reported that an engagement ring was missing from inside their vehicle after it had been washed. The ring had been left inside the car, according to authorities.
Troopers stated they interviewed several employees, including Jose Gonzales-Morales, but the ring was not recovered at that time.
Police said the victim later distributed flyers with a photograph of the ring to area pawn shops. On February 23, 2026, Gonzales-Morales allegedly attempted to pawn the ring at a Wilmington-area pawn shop. According to investigators, the shop owner recognized the ring from the flyer, recovered it and returned it to the victim.
Gonzales-Morales was arrested without incident February 28, 2026, and transported to Troop 1, police said. He was charged with theft of $1,500 or greater and providing a false statement to law enforcement, both felony offenses.
According to state police, he was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $2,500 unsecured bond.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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