Police: Burglary suspect caught in the act

A Lewes man was arrested after police say they caught him in the act during an early morning burglary Saturday.

Delaware State Police say they responded to a home on the 19000 block of Princess Street around 2:36 a.m. for a reported burglary in progress.

They reportedly found the suspect, identified as 33-year-old Lewes man David Fooks, being held down by the 50-year-old male victim.

A preliminary investigation finds a 10-year-old child heard a noise prior and walked out of his bedroom. We’re told the young boy found the suspect in the bathroom knocking over items, as well as breaking items in the home.

Police say the child screamed for his dad alerting him that someone was in their home.

According to police, the male victim advised a 42-year-old woman in the home to get into a room with the children and lock the door. Fooks then allegedly rushed at the man and started to assault him.

Police say Fooks threw the male victim to the ground causing him to hit the back of his head and cause a minor laceration. The victim reportedly continued to fight and was able to hold the suspect down until troopers arrived. 

Sergeant Richard Bratz of the Delaware State Police tells 47ABC the victim sustained a minor injury; however, he did not seek medical treatment.

Fooks was transported to the Beebe Hospital for a facial injury and released.

According to police, he was extremely intoxicated and has no known relationship with the victims.

Fooks was taken into custody and transported to Troop 7 where he was processed on charges of 1st degree burglary, 3rd degree assault, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal mischief.

He has been committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $6,750.00 secured bail.