Newark Police charge three with burglary

5:03 p.m., Sept. 3, 2013--Newark Police have charged three University of Delaware students with burglary after an incident arising from a fight early Sunday, Sept. 1, on East Cleveland Avenue.

Police responded to the first block of East Cleveland Avenue at approximately 2:50 a.m. and learned that earlier in the night several individuals tried to gain entry to a party at the residence. The subjects were denied entry and asked to leave. A minor altercation ensued between those at the party and those attempting to enter, and one of the subject's shirts was ripped during the incident.

After the party, police said, the residents were in their living room when a group of men began knocking at the rear door, demanding to know who had ripped their friend's shirt earlier in the night. The residents did not let them in and told them to leave the property. For approximately 15 minutes, the subjects continued to knock and then forced the rear door open. The subjects entered the kitchen and began assaulting the residents. 

Officers responded to the scene and took Conor Travers and Frank Ward into custody without incident. A third man, Eric Smith, was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. 

The victims, who were also UD students, did not sustain any major injuries.

Travers, 20, of Yonkers, N.Y., and Ward, 20, of Exterior, R.I., were each charged with second degree burglary, second degree conspiracy, two counts of third degree assault, two counts of criminal mischief under $1,000 and underage consumption. Smith, 20, of Annandale, N.J., was charged with second degree burglary, second degree conspiracy, third degree assault, resisting arrest, two counts of criminal mischief under $1,000 and underage consumption. 

All three were arraigned through JP 11; Smith was released on $17,000 unsecured bond and Travers and Ward were each released on $15,000 unsecured bond. 

Anyone with additional information on this incident should contact Officer Dan Burgess at 302-366-71110, ext. 473 or Daniel.Burgess@cj.state.de.us. Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD with the message to TIP411. Information also can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available. 

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