The Delaware State Police arrested 56-year-old Mark Waters, of Wilmington, Delaware, in connection with two burglaries that occurred at Wilmington restaurants in mid-May.
On May 16, 2026, at approximately 1:20 a.m., troopers responded to Evergreen Chinese Restaurant, located at 3608 Miller Road in Wilmington, for a report of a security alarm activation. When troopers arrived, they discovered the front door of the business had been smashed. During the investigation, troopers also found that the front door of the neighboring restaurant, Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken, located at 3612 Miller Road, had sustained similar damage.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit took over the case. Detectives determined that an unknown masked suspect used a hammer to smash the glass front doors of both businesses before entering. Once inside, the suspect searched for cash and then fled the area on a bicycle.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the suspect as Mark Waters and learned he had recently stolen merchandise from the Home Depot located in the same shopping center.
On May 19, 2026, Home Depot employees contacted the 911 center to report that Waters was actively shoplifting inside the store. Troopers responded to the area and located Waters riding the same bicycle he used during the burglaries. When troopers attempted to stop him, Waters fled, leading troopers on a brief pursuit. Waters rode down an alleyway in the 2700 block of North Pine Street and attempted to enter his residence. Detectives ultimately located him and took him into custody without further incident.
Detectives later executed a search warrant at Waters’ residence and recovered additional evidence linking him to the burglaries.
Waters was taken to Troop 1 where he was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on his own recognizance.
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony) – 2 counts
- Burglary Third Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 2 counts
- Theft Under $1,500
- Attempted to Commit Theft Under $1,500
- Criminal Mischief – 2 counts