On May 20, 2020, Newark Police were called to the Abbotsford neighborhood for a report of a theft from a vehicle.  Investigating officers determined that more than a dozen vehicles were entered overnight.  Most had personal property removed from within.  For some vehicles, it could not immediately be determined if property was missing.  There was no apparent force used to enter the vehicles and no reports of damage.  It appears as if all vehicles were unlocked.

The investigation revealed that vehicles had been entered on Abbotsford Lane, Alford Court, East Galloway Court and Nethy Lane.  At least one stolen credit card was fraudulently used online before the theft was even discovered by the victim.  There are most likely additional victims.  Additional victims can report their incident by calling (302) 366-7111.

The Newark Police encourage anyone with video related to this incident to provide it to Newark Police.  See the information about our participation in the Neighbors by Ring App below.  This is an easy way to share video with police.

We must strongly remind the public to lock their vehicle doors.  We cannot stress the importance of ensuring that your vehicle doors are locked before you go to bed.  This simple nightly routine can protect your property.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Cpl. Lee at (302) 366-7100 x. 3462  or jlee@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.

The Newark Police Department is a member of the Neighbors by Ring App.  This app allows the Newark Police to inform the community of real-time crime and safety events so the public can always stay informed.  The Neighbors by Ring App also allows the user to share information, including footage from the user’s camera system, directly with Newark Police. You do not need Ring devices to participate.  Anyone with any camera system can upload content to the Neighbors App.  Newark Police DO NOT receive access to the camera system and can only see video the user chooses to share.   To download the free app, text “staysafe” to 555888 or search for the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.  Remember: if you see something – share something – and report it to the Newark Police at (302) 366-7111 or 9-1-1.  More information can be found here.

On May 18, 2020, at about 1534 hours, Newark Police were called to the parking lot of a business in the 200 block of South Main Street for a report of an assault that had just occurred.  Responding officers contacted a female victim who advised that she had been punched in the face by an acquaintance while in a vehicle in the parking lot.  There was a court order in place prohibiting the suspect from having contact with the victim.  The suspect, who was later identified as David Rizzo, 46, of Bear, fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival.  The victim did not require medical attention.

While officers were speaking with the victim, the Newark Police 911 Center received calls that there was a male running through backyards in the 200 block of Murray Road.  The male was attempting to enter residences on the street.

Newark Police Officers checked the area and located Rizzo hiding in bushes on the property of the West Park Elementary School on West Park Place.  Rizzo was taken into custody without incident.

Officers contacted residents of two houses on Murray Road.  The residents advised that Rizzo attempted to enter their residences but was unable to do so due to locked doors.  No damage was caused and no entry was gained.

Rizzo was found to be wanted on warrants from New Castle County Police, Wilmington Police and Middletown Police.  In addition, he was wanted on capiases from multiple Delaware courts.

Rizzo was transported to Newark Police headquarters where he was charged with:

• Attempted Burglary First Degree (2 counts)
• Offensive Touching
• Breach of Release

Rizzo appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $11,100 secured bail.  Rizzo was turned over to the custody of the Howard R Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.