4 arrested, 1 wanted in connection to burglaries

Members of the Delaware State Police say they have arrested four people, and are seeking one more, in connection to several burglaries in the Kent and Sussex County areas.

Troopers say the investigation into the burglaries began in the beginning of July, when the suspects would enter businesses by cutting entrance holes in perimeter fences, breaking into businesses, and stealing Stihl chainsaws.

Delaware State Police have outlined the following instances:

• July 5, 2016 at approximately 12:12 a.m. – Burke Equipment, Delmar, Delaware – 6 chainsaws and one concrete saw.  The total value of the merchandise was over $2,400.00.  Damage to perimeter fencing valued at approximately $1,500.00.

• July 5, 2016 at approximately 4:30 a.m. – Tractor Supply, Dover – Nothing was stolen although damage was estimated at approximately $200.00 to a fence.

• July 8, 2016 at approximately 2:29 a.m. – Binkley and Hurst, Seaford – A window was damaged ($500.00) and a safe that contained a small amount of U.S. currency was removed from the business.

• July 8, 2016 at approximately 4:14 a.m. – Sunburst Rentals, Delmar, Delaware – Suspects utilized a forklift to pry open a roll-up door causing approximately $1,500.00 damage and then removed a chainsaw valued over $240.00.

• July 11, 2016 at approximately 1:49 a.m. – Barton’s Landscaping, Seaford – Nothing was stolen although damage was estimated at approximately $1,000.00 to a fence and video surveillance camera.

• July 11, 2016 at approximately 3:10 a.m. – Burke Equipment, Felton – 11 chainsaws were removed with a total value of over $4,600.00 along with approximately $1,000.00 damage to a fence and glass door.

Troopers say they were contacted on July 14 by authorities in Pennsylvania, alerting them of subjects selling a large number of Stihl chainsaws to a pawn shop.

State Police say the detectives on the case were able to identify Mightys Gibbs, 24, of Harrington, and Tavon Johnson, 22, of Felton, based on the information they supplied to the pawn shops. Police say all of the chainsaws matched the serial numbers of those stolen in Delaware.

Meanwhile, officers within the Governor’s Task Force stopped a suspicious vehicle on July 18, parked with just its parking lights on around 10:17 P.M.

Authorities say when officers tried to stop the vehicle, the car turned the headlights and began to drive away. The vehicle eventually stopped for police, the back two passengers fleeing the vehicle.

Police say the driver, Jaydenn Clough, 20, of Smyrna, and a front seat passenger, Tavon Johnson, were placed under arrest after a search of the car revealed gloves, masks, and a 12-gauge shot gun. Troopers reportedly determined that the subjects were preparing to commit a robbery at the Shore Stop on Bay Road in Milford, near where they were parked. Clough was later released on $22,000.00 unsecured bond, according to a release.

Police say on July 19, detectives were able to link all of the incidents together and obtain warrants for the arrests of Tavon Johnson, Jaydenn Clough, Mightys Gibbs. Troopers also identified the fleeing passengers as Quadir Bryant, 24 of Felton and Robert Mannings III, 24 of Viola.

Clough and Johnson were both reportedly charged with first-degree Attempted Robbery, Attempted Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, second-degree Conspiracy, and Drug Paraphernalia. Johnson was additionally charged in this case with Attempted Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited and Attempted Wearing of a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony.

According to police, Johnson failed to commit $50,100.00 cash bond on the Robbery charges as well as Violation of Probation on another charge.  Police say Johnson was charged separately with three counts of third-degree Burglary, three counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, three counts of second-degree Conspiracy, three counts of Theft, three counts of Criminal Mischief, Attempted Theft, and second-degree Criminal Trespass.  He was given an additional $42,700.00 secured bond on those crimes.

Police say Bryant was taken into custody by on July 25, and charged with first-degree Attempted Robbery, Attempted Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Attempted Wearing of a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony five counts of third-degree Burglary, three counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, six counts of second-degree Conspiracy, four counts of Theft, five counts of Criminal Mischief, Attempted Theft, second-degree Criminal Trespass, and Resisting Arrest.  He was committed on $208,000.00 cash bond.

Mannings III was arrested on July 26, and charged with first-degree Attempted Robbery, Attempted Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Attempted Wearing of a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony five counts of third-degree Burglary, three counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, six counts of second-degree Conspiracy, four counts of Theft, five counts of Criminal Mischief, Attempted Theft, and second-degree Criminal Trespass, and Resisting Arrest.  He committed on $83,000.00 secured bond.

State Police say Mightys Gibbs is still wanted for first-degree Attempted Robbery, Attempted Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Attempted Wearing of a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony five counts of third-degree Burglary, three counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, three counts of Possession of Burglary Tools, six counts of second-degree Conspiracy, four counts of Theft, five counts of Criminal Mischief, Attempted Theft, and second-degree Criminal Trespass, and Resisting Arrest.

Anyone with knowledge about the whereabouts of Mightys Gibbs they are asked to contact Detective D. Blomquist at 302-698-8426. 

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”