ELSMERE, DELAWARE (6/5/2015) A teenage burglary suspect was captured by a homeowner after a burglary in the Richardson Park area south of Elsmere, New Castle County police said today.
The initial burglary happened about 7:35 p.m. Monday in the first block of Belmont Ave.
Police investigating had surveillance images of the suspect who had entered the home and removed electronics and other items, Officer First Class Tracey Duffy said.
Police were called again Wednesday after the victim recognized the teen and confronted him, Duffy said, demanding return of the stolen items.
A struggle ensued but the 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody by police and the property returned to the victim.
A search of the teen’s book bag found .39 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Duffy said.
The 16-year-old was charged with criminal mischief, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft under $1,500, possession of marijuana and burglary in the second degree.
He was being held at the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of $4,500 secured bail.