DSP News Release:  Two Charged in Scrap Metal Burglaries, One Still Being Sought After

Location: 

• Old Hickory Lane Laurel, De (Vance Phillips Inc)
• 24000 block Sussex Highway Seaford, De (Sussex Tires)
• 10000 block Airport Road Seaford, De (R and S Fabrication)
• Bi-State Boulevard Laurel, De (Laurel Grain)
• 7600 Herring Run Road Seaford, De (Burglary to a Shed)
• 36000 block Old Stage Road Delmar, De (General Refrigeration)
• 30000 block Sussex Highway Seaford, De (Combined Commercial Enterprise)

DATE and TIME:

• Between June 14^th and June 18^th 2011

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:

• Christopher L. Baker-25 Seaford Delaware
• Edward Boyce-23 Seaford Delaware

• Each charged with below listed crimes:
• 5 counts Burglary Third Degree
• 3 counts Theft $1,500 or Greater
• 2 counts Conspiracy Third Degree
• 3 counts Conspiracy Second Degree
• 4 counts Theft under $1,500
• 3 counts Criminal Trespass Third Degree
• Criminal Mischief under $1,000

Suspect and Active Warrant Information:

• Brandon P. Eskridge-32 Seaford, DE
• 6’01” tall, 190 lbs, black hair, brown eyes
• Failure to Re-Register as a Sex Offender with Three Days of Changing Address
• Attempted Burglary 3^rd Degree
• Theft
• Criminal Mischief (2 counts)

 Resume:

Seaford/Laurel/Delmar-Delaware State Police over the weekend arrested two Seaford Delaware men in connection to a series of burglary and scrap metal thefts.  The thefts occurred at 5 commercial business properties and two sheds located on residential properties. 

Between June 14^th and 18^th Christopher L. Baker-25 and Edward Boyce-23 both of Seaford Delaware trespassed on commercial properties owned by Vance Phillips Inc, Sussex Tires, R and S Fabrication, Laurel Grain and General Refrigeration. 

Baker and Boyce during the course of their burglary/theft spree stole a large quantity of assorted stainless steel metals, tractor trailer wheels, various tools, farm and lawn equipment.  Baker and Boyce were responsible for the theft of over $17,000 of the victim’s property. 

Brandon P. Eskridge-32 of Seaford was implicated to the Combined Commercial Enterprise burglary which occurred June 14, 2011.

Baker and Boyce were charged June 18^th and 19^th respectively for Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass and conspiracy.  Baker following arraignment was released on $41,000 unsecured bond, while Boyce received a $27,000 secured bond.  Boyce was later incarcerated into the Sussex Correctional Institute.  

Below Information previously released by Cpl/3 Jeffrey Hale on 06/19/11

Delaware State Police are currently searching for Brandon P. Eskridge who has active warrants consisting of Burglary, Possession of Burglar Tools, Theft and Criminal Mischief.  Eskridge is also currently wanted by the Delaware State Police SOAR unit for Failure to Re-Register as a Sex Offender with Three Days of Changing Address.

To offer information regarding this investigation, please contact the Delaware State Police at 302-337-1091.

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Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). 

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Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

          Edward Boyce             Christopher L. Baker          Brandon P. Eskridge