Burglar uses Web for safe-cracking tips in the middle of burglary

WILMINGTON, Del. -- A fired restaurant manager was caught trying to crack a company safe after he searched the Internet for tips in the middle of the burglary, authorities said.

Branden M. Tingey, 28, hid late Wednesday in the ceiling of the men's room at Polidoro Italian Grill until he thought the place was empty, then went to the manager's office and tried to break into the safe, investigators said.

Police said Tingey, apparently stymied, turned to the restaurant's computer to search for safecracking instructions. The search was interrupted when two managers who had been in another part of the restaurant doing paperwork walked in.

Tingey, who had been fired about three years ago, ran out a rear door but was captured a short time later. He was charged with attempted robbery, burglary, carrying a weapon and other charges.

Tingey remained in custody Friday. Department of Correction spokeswoman Gail Stallings Minor said she was unable to determine whether Tingey had an attorney. A woman who answered the phone at Tingey's home hung up on a reporter seeking comment.