Escapee Arrested and Charged in 25+ Theft Incidents
State of DE - On September 23, 2026, the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit initiated an investigation into a shoplifting incident at Lowe's, in Newark, Delaware. As their investigation proceeded, they learned that the suspect left the area in a Lexus SUV.
Detectives found the empty SUV on Vandever Avenue near Northeast Boulevard in Wilmington, Delaware. They searched the area and found 40-year-old Steven Pozzie of Smyrna in a nearby alleyway, where he was taken into custody.
Police say Pozzie gave a false name to detectives several times. A search turned up drug paraphernalia and about 0.01 grams of suspected crack cocaine. Detectives also found tools in the Lexus that police say were used in earlier thefts.
The case began in late August 2026, when Home Depot employees reported several shopliftings involving the same person. Detectives took over the case and soon heard from other stores to include Walmart, Lowe's, Target, Kohl's, Acme, and Harbor Freight.
Police identified the suspect as Pozzie, who was an escapee from the Community Corrections Treatment Center in Smyrna, Delaware. He had been given a work pass to leave the facility but never returned. A warrant was issued for him.
The Community Corrections Treatment Center is a Level 4 facility where the Department of Correction (DOC) manages people who are in the process of soon returning to the community.
Residents can leave to go to work, look for jobs, or attend approved treatment.
Between late August and late September, detectives say Pozzie targeted stores more than 25 times in Delaware. They say he worked with several accomplices and used more than one vehicle. They also say he often used tools to damage security devices on products before taking items.
Police say Pozzie stole more than $48,000 in merchandise. They also say he caused more than $4,000 in damage to the businesses.
After his arrest, Pozzie asked for treatment for an unrelated injury that was not life threatening.
He was taken to a local hospital and returned to DOC custody while there.
On September 28, 2026, after he left the hospital, Pozzie was charged and arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court. He remains in DOC custody on a $44,200 cash bond.
The felony charges include 17 counts of possession of shoplifters tools and 13 counts of theft of organized retail crime over $1,500. He also faces one count of shoplifting over $1,500 and five counts of conspiracy second degree.
He is also charged with six counts of theft, organized retail crime, one count of conspiracy third degree, and three counts of shoplifting under $1,500. The remaining charges are 15 counts of criminal mischief under $1,000, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal impersonation.
Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.
