Dover man arrested after commercial burglaries

DOVER - Jonathan Christopher, 32, of Dover, was arrested following two commercial burglaries on Sunday night, authorities said.

According to Dover police spokesman Master Cpl. Ryan Schmid, officers responded to Top Notch Sewing for the report of a burglary, after the business owner called to report a male suspect inside of the business, which was currently closed. The business owner said the suspect had removed items from the store and left walking south, police said.

The business owner also advised that the suspect was with a female during this incident.

Officers located Mr. Christopher, who police said matched the suspect’s description, in the surrounding area and took him into custody without incident. Mr. Christopher was found in possession of drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest, according to Cpl. Schmid.

Police alleged that Mr. Christopher had broken the dead lock off of an adjoining business, Maxine’s Fashions. He then entered the business and took several articles of clothing before leaving, police claimed.

The identity of the female suspect remained unknown, police said.

Mr. Christopher was charged with third-degree burglary (two counts), theft $1,500 or greater, second-degree conspiracy, theft under $1,500, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief under $1,000. He was released on an own recognizance bond.

Police asked anyone with information on the case to call 302-736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.