Rooftop Hide-And-Go-Seek Lands Burglary Suspect In The Pokey

Delaware State Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Berry of Wilmington, following a burglary investigation in Wilmington on Thursday morning, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto.

DeMalto said on March 31st, 2022 at approximately 10:02 a.m., troopers along with officers from the Wilmington Police Department and New Castle County Police Department responded to the Family Dollar located at 4331 Governor Printz Boulevard for a reported burglary in progress.

Upon their arrival responding officers observed a male suspect climbing onto the roof of the business. Troopers and officers established a perimeter around the Merchants Square shopping center.

Sources tell First State Update that this was a prolonged incident. Drones and medical crews were also called to the scene. DeMalto said the suspect was later taken into custody as he exited a vacant building just south of the Family Dollar.

Further investigation revealed the suspect, identified as Berry, had attempted to steal copper from air conditioning units on the roof of the Family Dollar said DeMalto. A computer inquiry also revealed Berry was wanted and had active warrants for prior thefts addes DeMalto.

Berry was subsequently transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the following offenses:

Burglary 3rd Degree (Felony)
Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony)
Theft Greater Than $1,500 (Felony)
Criminal Mischief Greater Than $5,000 (Felony)
Resisting Arrest

Berry was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $25,000 cash and $17,001 secured bonds.

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