WILMINGTON, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested Thomas Hetzler, 52, of Wilmington, on charges of organized retail theft following multiple shoplifting incidents at the Wegmans on Buckley Mill Road.
On July 23, 2024, at approximately 11:23 p.m., troopers responded to the Wegmans store for a report of a habitual shoplifter. Wegmans employees and troopers were familiar with Hetzler from previous investigations. According to police, Hetzler entered the store, placed several food items in a basket, and left without paying. Troopers located Hetzler nearby with the stolen items and took him into custody without incident.
A computer inquiry revealed Hetzler had an active No Contact Order with Wegmans, issued by the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, Hetzler had outstanding warrants for two prior shoplifting incidents at Wegmans, one on July 12, 2024, and another on May 16, 2024, which was reported in July 2024.
Hetzler was taken to Troop 1 and charged with the following crimes:
- Three counts of Organized Retail Theft (Felony)
- Two counts of Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree
- Two counts of Breach of Release
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $5,100 cash bond.
