A pair of Sussex County men were arrested after police say they stole bicycles from Walmart.
According to Delaware State Police, around 4:47 a.m., Monday troopers on patrol on John J. Williams Highway, just west of Mulberry Knoll Road, spotted a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck heading westbound with a large number of bicycles in the bed of the truck and one being dragged behind the truck.
Police tried to pull the vehicle over but a chase ensued that ended with the truck becoming disabled west of Banks Road.
After the truck finally stopped, police say 52-year-old Leon N. Fraizer, of Ellendale, got out of the driver’s side door and arrested without incident. A search of Fraizer was conducted and troopers found drug paraphernalia, according to police. A computer inquiry also discovered his license was suspended.
55-year-old Steven L. Hickman, of Frankford, exited the passenger’s side of the car and was arrested, according to police. Both suspects were transported to Troop 7.
While en route to the police station, troopers were notified by dispatch that the Walmart in Rehoboth reported that a large number of bicycles had been stolen.
Located in plain view of the truck bed were approximately $1,950 in bikes with Walmart price tags, according to police.
Police launched a criminal investigation and determined the bikes had been stolen from the exterior of the Walmart sometime before troopers spotted the truck traveling on John J. Williams Highway.
Fraizer was charged with Theft $1,500 or Greater, 2nd Degree Conspiracy, Disregarding a Police Officer Signal, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief under $1,500, Driving While Suspended, Failure to Have Insurance in Possession, and multiple traffic violations. He was arraigned and released on $5,500 unsecured bond.
Hickman was charged with Theft $1,500 or Greater, 2nd Degree Conspiracy, and Criminal Mischief under $1,500. He was arraigned and also released on $2,500 unsecured bond.