University of Delaware Police arrested two individuals who are unaffiliated with the University on charges stemming from multiple thefts of tires and rims from student vehicles.

Two students separately reported to UD Police that tires and rims had been stolen from their personal vehicles, which had been parked in a University lot. The thefts occurred in the overnight hours of March 9, March 21 and April 3.

Through extensive review of camera footage, UD Police positively identified one of the suspect vehicles that had been involved in the thefts. 

UD Police observed the vehicle on the University’s campus on April 9 and, shortly after, conducted a traffic stop at N. College Avenue and W. Main Street due to erratic operation of the vehicle. UD Police identified the vehicle’s occupants and took them into custody for questioning, at which time Ramiro Gonzalez, 21, of New Castle, and Thomas Lee Shipley, 20, of Newark, admitted to the thefts.

Gonzalez and Shipley are charged with felony theft, conspiracy in the second degree, criminal mischief and other related offenses. They each have been issued $5,000 unsecured bails and have a no contact order with the victim and the University of Delaware. In addition, UD Police have banned Gonzalez and Shipley from all University property. 

Resources

Members of the University community are reminded to be vigilant: If you see something, say something. Be aware of your surroundings and lock your doors. Call 911 to report suspicious activity.

UDPD is committed to assisting victims. The UD Helpline provides crisis support and victim advocacy and is available 24/7 by calling (302) 831-1001. Read more about UD’s campus and community services and resources, victim support services, and complainant resources.