Marydel, Delaware – A 19-year-old Maryland man was arrested after allegedly attempting to burglarize a Marydel business, prompting felony charges and a police investigation.
According to Delaware State Police, Ryan Harding, 19, of Henderson, Maryland, was taken into custody following an investigation into an attempted burglary at Smoke Needs, located at 825 Halltown Road.
Police said that during the overnight hours of Sunday, Feb. 8, detectives learned an unknown suspect wearing dark clothing, gloves, and a mask allegedly tried to force entry into the business with a hammer. Investigators later observed a silver Toyota Camry parked near the store and conducted a traffic stop on Halltown Road around 12:15 a.m.
According to state police, Harding was wearing dark clothing and latex gloves at the time of the stop. He was detained without incident. Through investigative efforts, detectives identified him as the suspect in the attempted burglary. Authorities said burglary tools were discovered inside the vehicle during a consent search.
Harding was transported to Troop 3, where he was charged with two counts of attempted burglary in the third degree, two counts of possession of burglar tools, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, and criminal mischief under $1,000 for property damage.
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on a $3,100 unsecured bond.
The case remains part of ongoing enforcement efforts targeting commercial burglaries in Kent County. Overnight break-ins can directly impact local workers and young employees who rely on small businesses for jobs.
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