Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Arrest Man for Series of Shopliftings in New Castle County

Date Posted: Friday, February 16th, 2024

Yesterday, Delaware State Police arrested 34-year-old David Buchanan, of Wilmington, Delaware, for several felony shoplifting charges following a series of thefts from multiple businesses in New Castle County that began last month.

Between January 11, 2024, and February 15, 2024, troopers investigated several shopliftings of a similar nature from New Castle County area Walgreens, Wegmans, Rite Aid, Family Dollar, and Jo Ann Fabrics. In each shoplifting, an unknown white male suspect placed laundry detergent, soap, cleaning products, or other home goods into a shopping cart and left the business without paying. The suspect would then flee in a tan Audi sedan with New Jersey registration.

On February 15, 2024, troopers patrolling the area of the Walgreens located at 1710 Faulkland Road, Wilmington, observed the suspect’s Audi, operated by a man matching the description of the repeat shoplifter, pull into the parking lot. Troopers conducted a traffic stop on the Audi and made contact with the driver, identified as David Buchanan. As Buchanan was taken into custody, troopers located a bundle of suspected heroin on his person.

Troopers identified Buchanan as the suspect responsible for 15 shopliftings that spanned a little over one month and totaled over $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise. In two of the shopliftings, an unknown white female shoplifted with Buchanan. Troopers are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the unknown female suspect pictured below as they continue to investigate these shopliftings.

Buchanan was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the below crimes, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $3,600 secured bond.

Theft – Organized Retail Crime over $1,500 (Felony)
Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy Third Degree – 2 counts
Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 13 counts
Possess a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance
Offensive Touching

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or the unknown female suspect is asked to contact Sergeant B. Stevens by calling 302-660-3752. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.