Delaware State Police Arrest Pennsylvania Man for Multiple Burglaries at Former Emily Bissell Hospital

Date Posted: Friday, September 20th, 2024

Delaware State Police (DSP) have arrested 56-year-old Francis Rickards of Folsom, Pennsylvania, on burglary and related charges in connection with several incidents at the now-closed Emily Bissell Hospital in Wilmington. DSP is actively searching for a second suspect, 47-year-old Robert Potts of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, who remains at large and is also wanted for burglary and related offenses.

The investigation began in August 2024 after troopers received multiple reports of trespassing and theft from the vacant hospital located at 3000 Newport Gap Pike. As a result, troopers initiated surveillance of the facility and increased patrols in the area.

On September 4, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., surveillance footage captured a black Ford truck with a Pennsylvania registration arriving at the property. Two white male suspects were seen working together to load what appeared to be stolen copper into the truck's bed. During this incident, significant damage was caused to the facility.

On September 5, 2024, at approximately 11 p.m., the same black Ford truck returned to the site. Two white males and one unknown white female were observed leaving with copper wiring in the truck's bed, once again causing damage to the facility.

On September 6, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the black Ford truck was spotted for the third time. Two white male suspects were again seen stealing copper wiring, causing additional damage to the facility. Investigative leads identified Francis Rickards and Robert Potts as the suspects responsible for the thefts and property damage.

On September 8, 2024, at around 4 p.m., Rickards and Potts were observed arriving at the hospital and entering the facility again.

On September 19, 2024, Rickards was taken into custody at Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below.

Francis Rickards

• Burglary Third Degree - 4 counts (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief - Property Damage over $5000 - 3 counts (Felony)
• Conspiracy Second Degree - 3 counts (Felony)
• Theft Under $1500 - 3 counts
• Attempted Theft Under $1500

Rickards was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance.

Public Safety Advisory:

Trespassing at the former Emily Bissell Hospital is illegal and will not be tolerated. The Delaware State Police maintain zerotolerance for any unauthorized access or criminal activity on the property. Those caught trespassing or involved in theft or vandalism will be arrested on the spot and face full prosecution. The area is under active surveillance, and patrols have been increased.

Anyone with information regarding this case or Robert Potts' whereabouts is asked to contact Detective T. Leonardi of Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit by calling 302-365-8471 or dialing 911. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

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