While on routine patrol near the Food Lion on Reed Road, Sgt Jim Otto saw an individual coming from the tree line that appeared to be out of place. As he got out of his vehicle and approached the individual who informed Sgt Otto that he was homeless, he was asked a series of routine field interview questions, including if he was in possession of a firearm. When the individual, later identified as Forrest Howard Cobb of 1115 Wellington Avenue in Wilmington, informed Otto he did have a gun in his backpack, Otto was asked and given permission to look in the bag. What Cobb did not reveal was that he was also in possession of approximately $2900 worth of stolen property he had recently removed from a house in Windsor Park.
Cobb, who has been previously charged with auto larceny in Wilmington, had just broken into 1518 Pine Harbor Drive and removed property which included a $650 laptop, iPod, mobile phones, digital camera, jewelry and a semi-automatic handgun with three magazines and holster. Cobb gained access by throwing an ornamental turtle located in the yard through the kitchen window located in the back of the house. Investigation also revealed that Cobb attempted to steal a motorcycle but had to remove it through the kitchen and out the back-door since the garage door was locked. The motorcycle was recovered behind the residence.
Cobb, who is on probation, was charged with breaking and entering, larceny and damage to property. He was placed on a $10,000 secure bond.
