Delaware State Police
News Release

‘Butts’ Catch the Burglar

Released- Friday, April 25, 2008

Wilmington- On Thursday, April 24th, Troop 6 patrol officers were called to the 1600 block of Newport Gap Pike for the report of a trespass in progress at a residence. 

Officers arrived on the scene, and, with the help of the property owner, the suspect, Steven Patton, 43, who is homeless, was detained.  The suspect was extremely intoxicated so he was initially charged with Criminal Trespass and incarcerated overnight. 

This residence is currently being renovated and had been burglarized twice in the last four days. Troop 2 detectives responded to Troop 6 this morning to assume the case and their investigation successfully linked Patton to a previous burglary from April 22^nd.  What was the link? Cigarette butts which were previously left at the scene by the defendant.   

Patton was formally charged with Burglary (felony), Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor) and Theft (felony).  He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of $4,750 secured bond.