The store is located at the intersection of 5th Street and Dawson Street.
The department said that charges were pending.
Fox News reporter Marta Dhanis captured video footage of another Dollar Store, located at 13th Street and Greenfield Street, also being looted. “We just passed by and shot some video,” she said via Twitter. CBS reporter Hannah Brewer also posted video footage of the looting.
Before the arrests at the other store were announced the department stated that management at the store apparently asked police officers not to intervene for an undisclosed reason.
Owner Changes His Mind
Wilmington Deputy Police Chief Mitch Cunningham told ABC that officers spoke to the owner of the store, and the owner changed his mind.“Initially our officers responded to the first one that occurred, and unfortunately the owner did not want to pursue charges,” Cunningham said. “Later in contact with the owner he reversed his decision, we’re working with the DA and charges will be filed.”
“It’s important to take a strong stand against looting,” he added. “This community has been through a lot right now and we feel very strongly that looters are exploiting people that are vulnerable at a time like this. We need to take a strong stance. The owner agreed with us and therefore it’s under investigation.”
Felony
District Attorney Ben David told WECT that looters should be prosecuted.“It is a felony,” David said. “These are serious crimes, and they are going to be seriously punished.”
Looting got so bad in Wilmington on Saturday that the city announced an extended curfew for some areas to try to get it under control.