Burglars Use Scanner App in Attempt to Evade Police

​VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – On February 8, 2022, at approximately 0233 hours, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officers responded to the Food Lion in the 5000 block of Ferrell Parkway for a report of the security camera footage being obstructed in the cash office of the store. Once officers arrived, a subject was observed on the roof of the building. With the assistance of the Virginia Beach Fire Department, officers gained access to the roof where two subjects were located and taken into custody. The officers also located a hole cut into the roof over the cash office where the suspects were able to enter the building. Prior to VBPD’s arrival, one of the suspects was in the process of cutting a hole in the safe while the other was monitoring an online scanner app to monitor officer’s communications and knowledge of the incident. When the suspects knew officers were dispatched to their location, they attempted to flee the building; however, due to VBPD’s rapid response time of under two minutes, the suspects were unable to do so.

The individuals involved in the burglary were identified as Delton Clemmons, a 32-year-old male from Virginia Beach and Zachery Bessey, a 31-year-old male from Virginia Beach. Both were charged with Burglary, Conspiracy, Use of Burglary Tools and attempted Grand Larceny.

Of note, this case is similar in style to several other burglaries in Norfolk and Newport News. Those jurisdictions have been notified of the VBPD arrest of the two subjects.

This case is being investigated by the VBPD Detective Bureau and is ongoing at this time. If you have any information about this case, please call the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887).