Delaware State Police have taken into custody two Baltimore residents following an elaborate shoplifting operation at a Newark retail store that netted over $3,300 in merchandise and led to drug charges.
The suspects, identified as 47-year-old Ron Wardlaw and 43-year-old Lashonda Rooks, were apprehended Wednesday afternoon at Dick’s Sporting Goods on Center Drive after employees reported suspicious activity around 4:00 p.m. on February 18, 2026.
According to investigators, the pair worked together to collect thousands of dollars worth of items throughout the store. Police say Rooks took merchandise into a fitting room while Wardlaw left the building, abandoning a cart full of products near the entrance.
Authorities discovered that Wardlaw had coordinated with a third individual who came into the store looking for the abandoned cart, but employees had already secured the merchandise before the accomplice arrived.
When officers reached the scene, Wardlaw tried to flee in his vehicle but was intercepted just a short distance from the shopping center. Meanwhile, troopers found Rooks still in the fitting room, where she was using a cutting tool to remove security devices from stolen items. Both suspects were taken into custody peacefully, though the third accomplice escaped before police arrived.
The investigation took a more serious turn when officers searched Wardlaw’s vehicle and uncovered approximately 17.85 grams of what they believe to be heroin.
Following their arrest, both suspects were transported to Troop 6 for processing. Wardlaw now faces multiple felony charges including Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity, Attempted to Commit Theft – Organized Retail Crime Over $1500, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. After appearing before Justice of the Peace Court 3, he was sent to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution with bail set at $60,000.
Rooks is facing four felony counts: Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity, Possession of Shoplifters Tools or Instruments Facilitating Theft, Attempted to Commit Theft – Organized Retail Crime Over $1500, and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. She was also arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and is being held at the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $61,000 bail.
