NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

September 30, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 444

For more information contact Capt. Scott Carrow, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, 302-577-7130; or Beth Shockley, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Claymont Man Arrested in Can-Do Playground Vehicle Break-In

DNREC Parks Rangers have arrested a Claymont man in connection with a Sept. 19 “smash and grab” during which a vehicle was broken into and a purse stolen in the parking lot of the Can-Do playground off Weldin road in Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington.

The suspect, 36-year-old Michael J. Bates Jr., of 3 Walnut Lane in Claymont, was arrested on Sept. 26. He was arraigned through JP Court 2 on four counts of unlawful use of a credit card, two counts of forgery and one count of criminal mischief. He has been committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution for lack of $4,500 secured bond.

Bates allegedly used credit cards stolen from the purse to make several purchases from stores in the surrounding area. State Park Rangers followed up at the businesses where the cards were used. The suspect was seen on video signing for purchases with one of the stolen credit cards.

For more information contact Capt. Scott Carrow with DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation at 302-577-7130.