July 3, 2008 
Vol. 38, No. 315

For more information, contact Chief Wayne Kline, Delaware State Parks Enforcement, 302-739-9220 or 302-227-2800, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Maryland Man Charged with Theft, Unlawful Use of Credit Card

            Following an investigation into credit card thefts from vehicles at Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware State Parks Rangers on July 2 arrested a Maryland man at Indian River Inlet. 

            Rangers responded on July 1 to a report of items stolen from a vehicle in a parking lot at the park. The victim reported a stolen credit card had been used at G&E Hardware Store and G&E Supermarket in Ocean View.

Store video provided a description of the suspect, including a distinctive tattoo and clothing. The suspect was seen the next day in a bait and tackle shop and reported by employees who provided a vehicle description and tag number. The suspect was arrested without incident while fishing along the Indian River Inlet.

            Shawn M. Cowens, age 32, of Laurel, Maryland, was arrested and charged with theft under $1,000, two counts of unlawful use of a credit card under $1,000, carrying a concealed dangerous instrument, two counts of possession of a controlled narcotic substance and felony possession of a controlled substance within 300 feet of a park. All charges except the last are misdemeanors. The suspect was also found to be a fugitive from Prince Georges County, Maryland, on similar charges.

            Cowens was taken to Justice of the Peace Court No. 3 in Georgetown and is being held at Sussex Correctional Institute, also in Georgetown, on $4,000 cash secured bond, pending extradition to Maryland.

            Anyone with information on this or other recent thefts on Delaware Seashore State Park property is asked to call 302-227-2800.