Delaware State Police have arrested a 43-year-old Wilmington man for multiple burglaries that took place over the past several months at locations on Philadelphia Pike in Wilmington, including at St. Helena’s Parish.
Alexis Martinez, 43, was arrested May 26 after employees at the church called police to report an unknown Hispanic male had entered the former school building and was stealing items inside. A responding trooper observed a man matching the suspect’s description walking along Philadelphia Pike south of St. Helena’s. He was taken into custody without incident.
Msgr. Stanley Russell, the pastor, said Martinez allegedly had stolen food left on a porch in April. He also allegedly found a way to break into the basement of the school building and entered the maintenance room, taking some items donated for a special bingo game, Msgr. Russell said.
Also on May 26, troopers had responded to the Penny Hill Repair and Service Center just south of St. Helena’s after they received reports of a Hispanic male who broke into a vehicle in the lot. After being confronted by the owner, the man fled the property; a short time later, police received the call from St. Helena’s.
Msgr. Russell said Martinez used a parish-owned serving cart to transport allegedly stolen goods from the school building to his car. The empty cart was found near his vehicle, the priest said. Msgr. Russell emphasized that the suspect had never entered the church or rectory.
Martinez was identified as the suspect responsible for eight burglaries that occurred beginning Dec. 6, 2023, at St. Helena’s, the repair center and White Glove Car Wash. He was charged with eight counts of third-degree burglary, which is a felony, and several other felony and misdemeanor offenses. He was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $14,251 secured bond.
