WILMINGTON, DE — A Philadelphia man has been arrested in connection with a series of commercial burglaries in New Castle County earlier this month, police said.
According to Delaware State Police, the investigation began on March 8 at approximately 4:00 a.m., when troopers responded to the Exxon gas station at 2600 Ogletown Stanton Road in Newark for a reported burglary. Investigators said an unknown male allegedly used a tool to damage the front door lock, entered the business, and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police reported a second incident on March 15 at approximately 1:00 a.m. at White Clay Liquors, 4614 Ogletown Stanton Road in Newark. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used a similar method to gain entry and took cash and multiple packs of cigarettes before fleeing.
Later that same day at approximately 10:20 p.m., troopers were notified of a third burglary at Country Tobacco, 5998 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington. Police said the suspect allegedly forced entry by defeating the front door lock and stole cash. Investigators reported the suspect wore a face mask during each incident.
The case was assigned to the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit.
According to investigators, detectives determined the suspect allegedly used a dark-colored pickup truck and switched its registration plate with one reported stolen from a similar vehicle. Police also reported the suspect allegedly entered at least one of the businesses prior to the burglary in an apparent attempt to survey the location.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspect as Frederick Fenton, 58, of Philadelphia, and obtained a warrant for his arrest, according to police.
Authorities said troopers spotted Fenton’s vehicle on March 20 while patrolling New Castle Avenue, conducted a traffic stop, and took him into custody without incident.
According to police, Fenton has been charged with three counts of wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, three counts of third-degree burglary, three counts of possession of burglar tools, two counts of theft $1,500 or greater, two counts of theft under $1,500, and three counts of criminal mischief under $1,000.
Police reported Fenton was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $32,500 secured bond.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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