WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested a Maryland man in connection with a sweeping investigation into dozens of alleged restaurant burglaries that authorities say stretched across nearly two years and multiple jurisdictions.
Police identified the suspect as Keeno Exum, 42, of Elkton, Maryland. According to investigators, the Delaware State Police Property Crimes Unit began investigating a series of burglaries starting in January 2024 and continuing through December 2025. Troopers allege the same individual was responsible for 26 burglaries that followed a consistent pattern in appearance, timing, and method.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly targeted Asian and Hispanic restaurants during early morning hours, typically between 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Police allege the individual often wore similar clothing and a black mask and gained entry either by prying open doors or throwing hard objects through glass. Once inside, the suspect is accused of ransacking offices and cash registers before fleeing on foot with stolen money.
Authorities said similar burglaries were reported in surrounding jurisdictions, including Middletown. Through coordinated efforts between Delaware State Police detectives and the Middletown Police Department, investigators identified Exum as the alleged suspect and determined he used multiple vehicles, including a Toyota Camry.
On December 15, 2025, at approximately 6:15 a.m., troopers spotted Exum driving the Camry on Old Capitol Trail near St. James Church Road in Wilmington, police said. Troopers attempted a traffic stop on Kirkwood Highway near Delaware Park Drive, but authorities allege Exum fled at a high rate of speed. The pursuit was later discontinued after entering Pennsylvania. Investigators continued monitoring the vehicle from a distance until it stopped at an apartment complex in the 800 block of Clear Blossom Drive in Elkton, Maryland.
Detectives requested assistance from the Elkton Police Department, which obtained a search warrant for the apartment. Police said that when the warrant was executed around 11:00 a.m., Exum allegedly attempted to escape by jumping from a second-story window but was taken into custody. A search of the apartment reportedly uncovered clothing and items investigators believe were used during the burglaries.
Exum was initially held at the Cecil County Detention Center before being extradited to Delaware. On December 16, 2025, he was charged and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $321,611.00 cash bail.
Authorities charged Exum with multiple offenses, including wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, third-degree burglary, possession of burglar tools, theft-related offenses, criminal mischief, disregarding a police officer’s signal, and multiple traffic violations.
All charges are allegations. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.