Dover Target fire suspect arrested

By Tim Mastro

DOVER — A 26-year-old Dover man was arrested Monday for the July 10 arson that occurred at a Target department store.

Dover Police spokesman Sgt. Mark Hoffman said Desmond Smith was identified as the sole suspect in the arson after the collection and examination of in-store surveillance footage and physical evidence.

Sgt. Hoffman said Mr. Smith set the fire as a diversion to steal a cart full of merchandise from the business.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Smith and executed a search warrant at his residence in the 900 block of Whatcoat Drive at 11 a.m. Monday. He was taken into custody without incident and later committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown on a $137,000 cash bond after being arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court No. 7.

Mr. Smith is charged with first-degree arson, 19 counts of first-degree reckless endangering, criminal mischief of $5,000 or greater, shoplifting under $1,000 and wearing a disguise during a commission of a felony.

The fire caused approximately $3 million to $4 million worth of damaged merchandise.

This nvestigation was the result of a collaborative effort between the Dover Police Department and Dover Fire Marshal's Office.

The store, which opened in March 2001, remains temporarily closed for repairs and restocking, which is expected to take several weeks.

Delaware has three other Target locations, all in New Castle County. Target encouraged guests to visit its Christiana location for their needs while the Dover location is closed.