Delaware man accused of stealing air conditioner parts from two churches

A man from Laurel, Delaware, has been arrested and charged after police said he allegedly stole air conditioner parts from two churches.

According to Delaware State Police, on January 6, 2026, troopers responded to Saint Matthews First Baptist Church, located at 32129 Wolfe Street in Laurel, after receiving reports of a theft.

When troopers arrived at the scene, police said they learned that an unknown suspect had entered the property and removed parts from the church’s two air conditioning units.

Then, a few days later, on January 22, 2026, troopers responded to ELIM Delaware Church, located at 33056 Bi State Boulevard in Laurel, for a similar theft, according to police. Troopers learned that an unknown suspect entered the property and removed parts from the church’s three air conditioning units

During an investigation, police said detectives were notified that the Laurel Police Department was investigating a similar theft at a residence on the 100 block of East 5th Street in the town limits of Laurel.

During the investigation, police identified 50-year-old Chad Wray as the suspect in the thefts and obtained warrants for his arrest.

Wray was arrested and taken into custody on January 23, 2026, and charged with theft, criminal mischief, and other related offenses.

Police said Wray was released on a $23,600 unsecured bond.