Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley

State Police Arrest One Suspect for Several Power Tool Shopliftings in New Castle County; One Remains At-Large

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

Delaware State Police arrested 35-year-old Robert Williams of New Castle, Delaware, for several shoplifting charges following a series of power tool thefts predominantly from Home Depot locations in New Castle County over the last several months. Troopers are seeking assistance in locating his coconspirator (pictured above), 33-year-old Brandon Williams, who remains at-large.

Between August 22, 2023, and May 5, 2024, troopers investigated several shopliftings of a similar nature from New Castle County area home improvement stores. In each shoplifting, an unknown white male suspect took various power tools and left the business without paying. Through investigative means, troopers identified Robert Williams as the suspect responsible for 18 power tool shopliftings from multiple Home Depot locations in New Castle County. Additionally, troopers identified Williams as the suspect responsible for 2 additional shopliftings in New Castle County; one of which was of power tools from Lowes, and the other was of various household goods from Walgreens. The 20 shopliftings, which occurred mostly in March and April of this year, totaled over $23,200 worth of stolen merchandise. In 4 of the 18 Home Depot shopliftings, Williams shoplifted with a coconspirator, who was identified as Brandon Williams.

Thanks to several anonymous Delaware Crime Stoppers tips, Robert Williams was located and taken into custody by Probation and Parole on May 22, 2024, for arrest warrants issued by Delaware State Police, Middletown Police Department, New Castle City Police Department, and New Castle County Superior Court. Brandon Williams has not been located at this time. Troopers are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Brandon Williams, who has several warrants for his arrest issued by Delaware State Police, Middletown Police Department, and New Castle County Superior Court.

Robert Williams was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $13,501 secured bond. The listed charges are only those that were issued by Delaware State Police.

Shoplifting Over $1,500 (Felony) – 4 counts
Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
Shoplifting Under $1,500 – 15 counts
Organized Retail Theft
Conspiracy 3^rd Degree – 3 counts
Resisting Arrest
Breach of Release
Criminal Trespass

Troopers continue investigating these incidents and Delaware Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Brandon Williams. Information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Brandon Williams may be provided by calling Troop 6 at (302) 633-5000. 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.