Wicomico Police Arrest Five, Seize "Sophisticated Weaponry" - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - Five men are now behind bars in Wicomico County charged with burglarizing a Salisbury warehouse. 

"This is some of the most sophisticated weaponry we've ever seen here in Wicomico County," said Sheriff Mike Lewis.

Investigators seized over a dozen firearms and other weapons, which you'd typically see on a battlefield, including a 50-caliber baretta, shotguns, sniper rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, ballistic body armour and communication devices.

"It's not every day that you run across this kind of armour in someone's home," said Sgt. David Owens. "We could tell from the investigation that they were pretty organized."

Officials say that the five men are Christopher Connelly, 31, of Seaford DE, Jared Nelson, 27, of Salisbury, Joel Tomilson, 24, of Parsonsburg, Peter Walker, 24, Parsonsburg, and Paul Perdue, 28, of Laurel.  Two, Nelson and Walker have military backgrounds. 

They allegedly broke into the Demco Warehouse and stole thousands of dollars in engines, generators and gasoline. The two reported burglaries happened twice, in September and October.  Both allegedly caught of tape.   

"When you see suspects in videotape committing a crime in the rural section of the county, wearing body armour, wearing guns and equipped with these types of weapons, it raises concerns for all of us," said Sheriff Lewis.

Detectives say it's clear that the five suspects thoroughly planned out the crimes.

"They actually referred to the burglaries as if it were a mission," said Sgt. Owens.  "Logic would tell you that this wouldn't be the first and only thing they ever did."

Investigators say that none of the five suspects have any prior felony records.

The investigation into this incident is on going, and police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.