Four arrested on burglary charges in connection to firearm thefts
Left to right: Johnson, Tina Creed, Tiffany Creed, Smith
HARTLY, Del. – Delaware State Police say they have arrested four suspects after they discovered a burglary in progress while investigating a theft of firearms.
The investigation began back on January 27th, when troopers responded to the 5100 block of Halltown Road for a theft complaint. An unknown suspect reportedly forced entry into the victim’s gun safe and took several weapons. Further investigation led police to identify 35-year-old Jason Johnson as a suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest.
At approximately 12 p.m. on Tuesday, troopers observed Johnson driving a 1953 Chevrolet pick-up truck on Rose Dale Road and took him into custody without incident. It was then learned that the truck Johnson was driving belong to someone who lived in the 3000 block of Halltown Road, whose residence had sustained damage from a recent fire and had been burglarized earlier this year.
Troopers then responded to the residence on Halltown Road, where they found two females loading numerous items into the trunk of a vehicle parked on the property. 32-year-old Tina Creed of Magnolia and 30-year-old Tiffany Creed of Camden-Wyoming were immediately taken into custody as a result of the burglary in progress. A third suspect, identified as 29-year-old David Smith of Camden-Wyoming was found hiding on the floor board of the suspect’s vehicle and was also taken into custody.
Police say Tina Creed’s three children, aging from 10 months to three years old, were also present during this incident.
This investigation led troopers to recover approximately $42,000 worth of stolen property, along with four firearms.
Johnson was charged with seven counts of possession of a firearm by person prohibited, seven counts of theft of a firearm, conspiracy second degree, criminal mischief, burglary second degree, and theft of a motor vehicle. He is currently being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution on $110,000 secured bond.
Tina Creed was charged with burglary second degree, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, possession of burglar tools, conspiracy second degree, theft under $1500, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She is currently being held at the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $22,000 secured bond.
Tiffany Creed was charged with burglary second degree, possession of burglar tools, conspiracy second degree, theft under $1500, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. She is currently being held at the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $17,000 secured bond.
Smith was charged with two counts of burglary second degree, possession of burglar tools, conspiracy second degree, theft under $1500, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and theft $1500 or greater. He was released on his own recognizance.
