Delaware State Police report the arrest of 25-year-old Purcell Hocker-Osborne of Wilmington for a string of shoplifting incidents at various Home Depot stores and a Best Buy in New Castle County. The spree, which took place from August 11 to September 14, involved stolen power tools amounting to over $16,900. According to Delaware State Police, Hocker-Osborne also engaged in thefts with unidentifiable accomplices.
On the night of September 14, Hocker-Osborne was intercepted after leaving a Best Buy with unpaid merchandise valued at approximately $949. Despite a traffic accident during his attempted escape, causing him to be grazed by a passing car as he fled into oncoming traffic, he was captured with little incident after a brief foot pursuit. After his release from the hospital, charges were pressed, including five counts of felony shoplifting over $1,500 and counts of organized retail crime, second-degree conspiracy, and other misdemeanors. Hocker-Osborne is being held on a $22,575 secured bond at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
The arrest came following the Delaware State Police's extensive investigation into the regular larcenies from the Home Depot stores. They had pieced together an affidavit based on the method of operation and identification that led to the issuance of a warrant for the Hocker-Osborne, per the same release from state police. Upon locating him at the Days Inn, the situation rapidly escalated as Hocker-Osborne fled into heavy traffic, leading to his eventual arrest.
In addition to the foot chase and the ensuing collision, officers recovered the items taken from Best Buy and returned them to the retailer. The pursuit and Hocker-Osborne's refusal to surrender led to additional charges, including resisting arrest and multiple traffic violations. This string of thefts highlights an ongoing issue of organized retail crime that plagues stores and challenges law enforcement in Delaware.
