Troopers Arrest 57 Year Old Man In I95/I495 Disabled Vehicle Shootings

Location:
I95 and I495 corridor from the Delaware/Pennsylvania line to DE RT 141, Newport

Date of Occurrences:
June 2012-August 2012

Victims:
22 incidents involving unoccupied disabled vehicles

Defendant/Charges/Bond Information:
David F. Saddler-57 of Wilmington, DE (photo attached)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (2 counts)
Criminal Mischief over $5000 (F) (1 count)
Criminal Mischief $1000-$5000 (M) (19 counts)
Traffic Charges
Committed to HRYCI on $22,500 Cash Bond

Resume:
Wilmington-Troopers have arrested a 57 year old man in connection with the shootings and damage of a total of 22 unoccupied disabled vehicles on the I95/I495 corridor, which occurred between June and August 2012.

An Investigation into these shootings was launched in mid June after troopers began to notice an increase of complaints in which vehicles had been damaged after becoming disabled and abandoned along the I95/I495 corridor in the Wilmington area.

Between June 2012 –August 2012 Troopers investigated a total of twenty two incidents of unoccupied disabled vehicles found to have damage consisting of shattered windows and riddled with bullet holes. The preliminary investigation determined that the majority of these shootings took place in the overnight hours, and evidence collected at several of the scenes suggested that multiple weapons including handguns and shotguns were utilized. There were no injuries as a result of any of these incidents. As the comprehensive investigation continued, Troopers assisted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control (DNREC) Environmental Crimes Unit, conducted general surveillance of the corridor and were able to follow leads. Investigators developed an unknown suspect through surveillance footage obtained during a July 30, 2012 incident (this surveillance footage will not be released at this time as the investigation continues).

The investigation culminated on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at approximately 11:30 p.m. as a Trooper familiar with the ongoing investigation was traveling I495 northbound in the area of Edgemoor Road, when he observed a vehicle described as a red 2009 Hyundai Elantra, traveling on the right shoulder of I495 northbound, at a slow rate of speed for a considerable distance. After conducting a traffic stop on the Elantra, the Trooper observed that the operator, later identified as David F. Saddler-57 of Wilmington, DE matched the suspect description that appeared in the July 30th surveillance photo that was obtained during the investigation. Saddler was taken into custody without incident. A search of Saddler’s vehicle was conducted and a loaded Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun and a loaded Remington 22 caliber rifle located under a blanket on the front seat of the vehicle. Through further investigation Troopers were able to connect Saddler to the previous incidents. A subsequent search of Saddler’s residence recovered several more handguns and an additional shotgun, along with a large amount of ammunition (evidence photo attached).

David F. Saddler was charged with the above crimes and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $22, 500 Cash Bond. Troopers continue to investigate.