The Delaware State Police arrested 58-year-old Frederick Fenton, of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, in connection with a string of commercial burglaries that began in early March.
On March 8, 2026, at approximately 4:00 a.m., troopers responded to the Exxon gas station, located at 2600 Ogletown Stanton Road in Newark, for a reported burglary. The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown male suspect used a tool to damage the business’s front door lock before entering the building. Once inside, the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area.
On March 15, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., troopers responded to White Clay Liquors, located at 4614 Ogletown Stanton Road in Newark, for another reported burglary. Investigators determined the suspect again used a tool to disable the business’s front door lock before entering. The suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash and multiple packs of cigarettes before fleeing.
Later that same day, at approximately 10:20 p.m., troopers learned of a third burglary at Country Tobacco, located at 5998 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington. Similar to the previous incidents, the suspect forced entry by defeating the store’s front door lock and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect wore a face mask during all three burglaries.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit took over the case. Detectives discovered the suspect drove a dark-colored pickup truck and switched the registration plate with one stolen from a similar vehicle to avoid detection. Investigators also learned the suspect entered at least one of the businesses hours prior to the burglary in an apparent attempt to case the location. Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspect as Frederick Fenton and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On March 20, 2026, troopers patrolling New Castle Avenue saw Fenton’s pickup truck, conducted a traffic stop, and arrested him without incident.
Fenton was taken to Troop 2 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $32,500 secured bond.
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
- Burglary Third Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 3 counts
- Theft $1500 or Greater (Felony) – 2 counts
- Theft Under $1500 – 2 counts
- Criminal Mischief Under $1000 – 3 counts