Released Despite Police Asking For Secured Bail, Arrested Days Later For Arson

An 18-year-old Harrington man is facing multiple felony charges following a joint investigation into motor vehicle thefts in Milford and a related vehicle arson in Houston, Delaware.

On May 20, 2025, just after 4:00 a.m., the Houston Fire Company responded to a vehicle fire reported in the 1200 block of Butler Road. Upon arrival, crews found the vehicle engulfed in flames. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire had been intentionally set inside the vehicle.

Later that same day, the Milford Police Department received two reports concerning a stolen vehicle and an attempted vehicle theft at the Milford Movies 9, located in the 900 block of North DuPont Boulevard. Investigators determined that one of the stolen vehicles was the same one later found burned in Houston.

Through investigative collaboration, authorities identified Douglas Moore, 18, of Harrington, as a suspect in both incidents. On May 22, 2025, Milford Police detectives arrested Moore without incident. He was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree conspiracy, and criminal mischief. Moore was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $7,000 unsecured bail, despite a request for secured bail by investigators.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office continued its investigation and identified Moore and another unknown individual as responsible for the vehicle fire in Houston. On May 30, 2025, Moore was taken into custody again and charged with second-degree arson and second-degree conspiracy. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $12,000 secured bond.

The second suspect involved in the incidents remains unidentified as the investigation continues.