Troopers Interrupt Dollar Tree Heist, Six Teens Charged

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Wilmington- Delaware State Police have arrested six people and charged them in connection with a burglary of a local area discount variety store which occurred early Tuesday at the Miller Road Shopping Center, according to Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz.

Bratz said the preliminary investigation occurred on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at approximately 3:00 a.m. when a trooper on stationary patrol in the area of a Dollar Tree Store, located at 3602 Miller Road, Wilmington, observed a dark colored vehicle approach the store. After the suspect vehicle stopped at the front of the store, several subjects exited the vehicle, according to Bratz.

The vehicle was then observed driving away from the front of the Dollar Tree and park in the fire lane. Bratz said the suspects then threw a rock and kicked at the large pane window of the store. The suspects then entered the store after shattering the glass door, according to Bratz.

Troopers coordinated an apprehension plan and responded to the business where they captured all of the suspects safely as they exited the store. The suspects were carrying various stolen food items from inside the business, said Bratz.

During the course of this investigation the vehicle, a 2004 Volvo, which all the suspects arrived in was reported stolen from Lancaster Avenue in Wilmington, earlier that day, according to Bratz.  The vehicle was subsequently recovered and transported to Troop 2 for processing.

All defendants (three 14 year old and three 12 years old) were transported from the Dollar Tree to Delaware State Police Troop 2. All of the juvenile suspects were charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Receiving Stolen Property, Criminal Mischief and Theft. All of the juveniles were arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and were released on $2,200.00 unsecured bond except for two who were subsequently committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $2,200.00 secured bond.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective B. Harris at Troop 2 at 365-8410 or Detective B. Timmons 365-8434. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.

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