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Suspect Arrested for Target Fire

Incident Number: 50-22-21239

Date and Time: Sunday, July 10th, 2022 at 9:05 p.m.

Location: Target, 148 John Hunn Brown Road, Dover, DE

Contact: Dover Police Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman Email: mark.hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has arrested a suspect in the July 10th arson that occurred at a Target department store. Through the collection and examination of in-store surveillance footage and physical evidence from the store, Desmond Smith (26), was identified as the sole suspect in the arson. Smith set the fire as a diversion to steal a cart full of merchandise from the business. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Smith and executed a search warrant at his residence in the 900 Block of Whatcoat Drive at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 18th, 2022. Smith was taken into custody without incident and later committed to SCI on a $137,000 cash bond after being arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court #7 on the following offenses:

-Arson 1st Degree
-Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (19x)
-Criminal Mischief $5,000 or Greater
-Shoplifting Under $1,500
-Wearing a Disguise During Commission of Felony

Desmond Smith
Dover, DE

If you wish to provide information on this case or other criminal activity, please contact the Dover Police Department at (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.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance.  You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: Diane.Glenn@cj.state.de.us

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