MIDDLETOWN, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested two Wilmington residents, 61-year-old Ivis McGriff and 71-year-old Era Gill, following allegations of a burglary attempt at a Middletown residence on Tuesday afternoon.
According to law enforcement, troopers were dispatched to a home on Dupont Parkway on November 26, 2024, at approximately 1:55 p.m. after receiving a report of a man and woman allegedly attempting to break into the property, which was occupied at the time by a teenager. Upon arrival, officers discovered McGriff near the rear door of the home and took him into custody without incident. Gill was found sitting in the passenger seat of a gray Dodge Dakota parked in the driveway and was also taken into custody without incident.
During their investigation, authorities allege that McGriff had driven the vehicle to the property and unlawfully accessed the screened-in porch at the rear of the residence, where he removed a grill. Police claim that McGriff then unsuccessfully attempted to gain entry to the home through both the front and rear doors. Upon contact with McGriff, troopers observed signs of impairment and noted several open and empty containers of alcoholic beverages inside the Dodge.
McGriff and Gill were transported to Troop 9, where they were formally charged. Court records indicate that McGriff has three prior DUI-related convictions. He now faces the following charges:
- Burglary 1st Degree (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- 4th Offense Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Felony)
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Theft Under $1,500
Gill was charged with the following:
- Burglary 1st Degree (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Theft Under $1,500
McGriff was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $32,000 cash bond. Meanwhile, Gill was arraigned and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $13,000 cash bond.
Authorities remind the public that both McGriff and Gill are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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