Delaware State Police have arrested Francis Phillips, 31, for theft of a motor vehicle following an incident Tuesday night, according to police.
Officials said on May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:04 p.m., troopers responded to Traders Joe’s located at 5605 Concord Pike in Wilmington for a stolen vehicle. The investigation determined the victim dropped her key fob to her 2020 Buick Enclave in the parking lot as she entered the store. Upon returning to the parking lot the vehicle was no longer in the parking space.
Officials said the suspect located the dropped key fob and fled the parking lot in the stolen vehicle. Through investigative means, troopers located the stolen Buick Enclave on Kennett Pike in the area of Valley Way in Wilmington and initiated a traffic stop. The operator and sole occupant identified as Francis Phillips was taken into custody without incident.
Phillips was transported back to Troop 1 and charged with the following crimes:
Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
Phillips was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court # 11 and released on his own recognizance.
