The Delaware State Police have arrested a Robert L. Barger Jr., 30 of Delmar, Delaware on multiple motor vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries, and other related charges, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the investigation revealed the first incident occurred on March 3, 2020, as Troop 5 patrol units responded to the Bi-Rite Auto Sales located at 24770 Sussex Highway, Seaford, Delaware in reference to a burglary. The investigation revealed a suspect forced entry into the business by using a pry tool and prying a window open at the rear of the business, said Bratz. The stolen items included cash, electronics and two sets of keys. While inside of the business, the suspect removed clothing that was covering his face and proceeded to eat a container of ice cream that he found in the freezer of the business. Bratz did not say whether or not surveillance video captured Barger eating the ice cream.
The next incident was investigated on March 8, 2020, as Troop 5 patrol units responded to Bi-Rite Auto Sales for another burglary that occurred to the business. This time, two motor vehicles were stolen from the car lot. A 2008 Ford F-350 and a 2005 Ford F-150. The F-150 was located in the rear parking lot of a liquor store in the area of Bi-Rite Auto and it was processed where it was recovered and turned back over to the victim. Detectives received information the suspect was last seen hanging out in the stolen black Ford F350 in the parking lot of Food Lion in Laurel. Laurel Police Department responded to the parking lot of the Food Lion and was able to locate the stolen 2008 F-350. Robert Barger Jr. was located inside the stolen vehicle and was taken into custody without incident, according to Bratz.
Robert L. Barger Jr. 30 of Delmar, Delaware was transported back to Troop 5 where he was processed and arraigned. Both of the vehicles were recovered with keys, several tools that were taken were located at a local area Pawn Shop along with electronic devices.
Barger was charged with:
Two counts of Theft of Motor Vehicles
Two counts of Burglary 3rd Degree
Possession of Burglar Tools
Two counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree
Criminal Mischief
Two counts of Theft
He was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $21,500.00 cash bond.
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