Cowboy Hat-Wearing Maryland Man Arrested After Attempted Delaware Dollar Store Burglary

Anthony Ferguson, 32, was caught near the scene due to his distinctive clothing, police say.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged lock mechanism, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a failed burglary attempt.A close-up view of the damage left behind after a failed burglary attempt exposes the vulnerability of commercial security systems.Bear Today

A 32-year-old Maryland man was arrested over the weekend by Delaware State Police in Bear during an early-morning incident at a Dollar General store. Anthony Ferguson, of Hyattsville, allegedly forced entry through the front door but was unable to open a tobacco display case before fleeing the scene. Police were able to quickly locate and apprehend Ferguson nearby, as he was wearing a distinctive cowboy hat, long black coat, and black and white shoes.

Why it matters

Burglaries and property crimes, especially at retail locations, remain an ongoing challenge for law enforcement. This case highlights how even seemingly minor details like a suspect's clothing can sometimes prove crucial in quickly identifying and apprehending an alleged perpetrator.

The details

According to state police, around 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, troopers were called to the Dollar General location after a burglar alarm was activated. Upon arrival, they learned that a man wearing a cowboy hat, long black coat, and black and white shoes had forced entry through the front door. However, the suspect was unable to open a tobacco display case and ultimately fled the scene. During a brief canvass of the area, investigators found a man matching the distinct description at a nearby Wawa on Pulaski Highway, and it was determined that the cowboy hat-wearing suspect was allegedly responsible for the attempted burglary.

  • The incident occurred around 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Ferguson was arrested shortly after the attempted burglary, near a Wawa on Pulaski Highway.

The players

Anthony Ferguson

A 32-year-old resident of Hyattsville, Maryland, who was arrested and charged in connection with the attempted burglary at a Delaware Dollar General store.

Delaware State Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the burglar alarm, investigated the incident, and apprehended the suspect.

Dollar General

The retail chain whose Delaware location was the target of the attempted burglary.

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What’s next

Ferguson was released on a $3,000 unsecured bond. The Delaware State Police will continue to investigate the incident and any potential connections to other crimes.

The takeaway

This case highlights how even seemingly minor details like a suspect's distinctive clothing can sometimes prove crucial in quickly identifying and apprehending an alleged perpetrator, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation and vigilance by law enforcement in addressing property crimes.