Delaware State Police arrested 45-year-old Matthew Ward, of Elkton, Maryland, for burglary and related charges in connection with multiple burglaries of a business in Newark.
After troopers responded to multiple reports of burglary at United Lines Construction Services (ULCS), located at 2113 Ogletown Road in Newark, Delaware, State Police Troop 2 Property Crimes detectives assumed the investigation and learned the following:
Between September 30, 2025, and October 2, 2025, an unknown suspect cut a hole in ULCS’ fence, entered the property, and stole approximately $5,000 worth of copper wire from three storage containers. During the incident, the suspect caused approximately $500 in property damage to the business.
On October 9, 2025, an unknown suspect cut another hole in ULCS’ fence and stole approximately $23,400 worth of copper wire and street lighting equipment from three locked storage containers. During this incident, the suspect caused approximately $1,045 in property damage to the business.
Between October 15, 2025, and October 16, 2025, an unknown suspect, with a similar appearance from the 10/09/25 incident, returned to the business and cut another hole in the fence. The suspect stole approximately $15,000 worth of copper wire and caused $500 worth of damage.
On October 21, 2025, an unknown suspect with a similar appearance returned to ULCS and stole approximately $450 worth of copper wire. No property damage was reported during this incident.
Through investigative means, detectives identified Matthew Ward as the suspect from all four incidents. On October 23, 2025, detectives located Ward in Newark and took him into custody without incident.
Ward was transported to Troop 2 where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $6,800 unsecured bond.
Burglary Third Degree (Felony) – 6 counts
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony) – 3 counts
Theft $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 3 counts
Theft Under $1,500
Criminal Mischief – 3 counts
Criminal Trespass Second Degree – 4 counts
