Police: Two Charged With Stealing Air Conditioning Units From Home

Delaware State Police arrested two men for attempted burglary and related charges Tuesday morning, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.

Hatchell said On December 28, 2021, at approximately 9:50 a.m., troopers responded to a residence on Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro for an attempted burglary. Through the investigation, troopers discovered two individuals removed three window air conditioning units from a residence and fled the scene in a tan Ford Escort displaying Delaware registration. A valid tag number was obtained, and troopers responded to a Dagsboro residence, where the stolen air conditioning units were located in the front yard. While at the home, troopers observed the suspects driving back to the residence while inside the tan Ford Escort. The operator, Aaron Pepe, 27, o and front passenger, Jason Reuter, 30, both of Dagsboro were taken into custody without incident. While in custody troopers discovered Pepe was in possession of approximately .07 grams of heroin said Hatchell.

The suspects were transported back to Troop 4 where they were charged with the following crimes:

Jason Reuter

Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500 Where Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 Damage
He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $4,500 unsecured bond.

Aaron Pepe

Attempted Burglary 2nd Degree (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500 Where Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 Damage
Driving While Suspended
Possession of a Controlled Substance
He was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $5,500 secured bond.

Hatchell said the injury to Reuter’s face is not related to this incident and was sustained prior to being taken into custody.

About Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

View all posts by Staff Writer →