10.06.23
by

PATROL OFFICERS AND K9 TEAMS APPREHEND IN-PROGRESS BURGLARS – SOUTH AMERICAN THEFT GROUP

(New Castle, DE 19720) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged three suspects following a burglary in progress. On Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 9:23 p.m., patrol officers from C-Squad were dispatched to the 600 block of Highpointe Drive – New Castle in reference to a burglary. A 27-year-old male victim called 911 and reported hearing a loud crash inside his home. The victim stated he then heard suspects walking up the steps inside his residence. Patrol Officers and multiple K9 teams immediately responded to the Highpoint at St Georges community and observed a blue SUV fleeing. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle however, the driver rapidly accelerated and nearly struck a fully marked New Castle County Police vehicle.

Officers chased after the vehicle and a brief pursuit ensued into Delaware City. The vehicle was ultimately stopped near the area of Cleaver Road. At that time multiple officers along with K9 Nova approached the suspects and took them into custody without further incident. Simultaneously, K9 Rook and assisting officers were able to locate items that were discarded from the suspect vehicle during the pursuit.

The suspects were identified as

33-year-old Jimmy Rodriguez-Torres

44-year-old Julian Sanchez

49-year-old John Ortiz-Rodriguez

All three suspects were transported to New Castle County Police headquarters. Detectives from the Property Squad were contacted and assumed the investigation.

Through investigation, it was determined that the suspects were part of a South American Theft Group. Investigators were able to link the suspects to two additional burglaries that occurred in New Castle County:

  • A residence that was burglarized in the Hockessin Chase community on 10/5/2023.
  • A residence that was burglarized in the Colony at Summit Bridge community on 10/4/2023.

In all three burglaries, the homeowners were of Asian descent. South American Theft Groups will use similar methods of targeting expensive homes and homes owned by Asian Americans. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.

Jimmy Rodriguez-Torres was charged with one felony count of burglary in the first degree, two felony counts of burglary in the second degree, three felony counts of conspiracy in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of theft, one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief, one felony count of disregarding a police officer signal, one misdemeanor count of reckless driving, and multiple traffic violations.

John Ortiz was charged with one felony count of burglary in the first degree, two felony counts of burglary in the second degree, three felony counts of conspiracy in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of theft, and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief.

Julian Sanchez was charged with one felony count of burglary in the first degree, two felony counts of burglary in the second degree, three felony counts of conspiracy in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of theft, and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief. Their arraignments are pending at this time.

The Division is sharing images of the suspects and the vehicle they utilized to commit the burglaries. If any individual has information or surveillance video of the suspect vehicle in their neighborhood, please contact the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Tips can be forwarded to:

  • New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800
  • Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110
  • Facebook (IM) “New Castle County Police”
  • Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333

Tips can be submitted anonymously.

Suspect vehicle with fraudulent North Carolina license plate

Ortiz-Rodriguez, John

Rodriguez-Torres, Jimmy