Man arrested for Lewes burglary
LEWES, Del. — Delaware State Police successfully arrested 57-year-old John Wanner, a resident of Lewes, Delaware, for burglary and other related offenses Friday evening.
On January 12, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., troopers were dispatched to a residence on the 34000 block of Clematis Street in Lewes following reports of trespassing. Homeowners, who were checking on their second home, discovered an unknown male inside their home. The suspect, later identified as John Wanner, fled the scene before police arrived, leaving behind three cats and three dogs. During the investigation, it was determined that Wanner entered the home by breaking a glass door. Evidence indicated that Wanner had been living in the house as there was food on the stove, the TV was on, and animal waste was scattered throughout the residence.
A witness, familiar with the suspect as a prior neighbor identified Wanner. A canvas of the surrounding area revealed a broken door at a neighboring residence, though there was no evidence of entry. During the search, a trooper observed Wanner running through the woods. Despite repeated commands to stop, Wanner refused, leading to a brief foot pursuit before his apprehension. A subsequent search of Wanner uncovered burglary tools, a dagger, and a folding knife.
Wanner was transported to Troop 7, where he was charged. Following his arrest, he was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $77,250 cash bond.
Wanner was charged with the following:
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Burglary Second Degree (Felony)
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
- Theft of Services
- Resisting Arrest
- Criminal Mischief – 2 counts
- Criminal Trespass
