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Troopers Arrest Two Teenagers Following Pursuit in Stolen Vehicle in New Castle

The Delaware State Police arrested a 14-year-old male from Penns Grove, New Jersey, and a 16-year-old male from Deepwater, New Jersey, for multiple felony offenses following a pursuit in a stolen vehicle that occurred Sunday night in New Castle.

On December 29, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., troopers on patrol in the area of State Route 1 southbound and Christiana Road, New Castle, observed a white 2012 Kia Optima with New Jersey registration occupied by two teens. A computer inquiry of the Kia’s tag revealed it was reported stolen to the Carneys Point Police Department in New Jersey on December 29, 2024. Troopers subsequently initiated a traffic stop, which the Kia disregarded as it fled across the front lawn of a residence on Lanford Road at a high rate of speed and nearly struck a pedestrian before striking a mailbox. In the ensuing pursuit, the Kia committed numerous traffic violations, which culminated in a collision with a Nissan Maxima at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and School Lane. After the collision, the Kia’s operator abruptly exited the vehicle and fled on foot on North Dupont Highway. The operator, identified as a 14-year-old male, was ultimately taken into custody after a brief foot chase. The passenger, identified as a 16-year-old male, remained in the Kia after the collision and was taken into custody without incident. The operator of the Nissan was taken to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, a search of the stolen Kia led to the discovery of screwdrivers and multiple pairs of gloves. Troopers also observed damage to the Kia’s steering wheel column and ignition, and no vehicle key. This type of damage is consistent with the nationwide trend of Kias being stolen using a screwdriver. The two teens were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

The 14-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $21,500 secured bond.

Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
Reckless Endangering 2^nd Degree
Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
Criminal Mischief Under $1,000
Resisting Arrest
Vehicular Assault 3^rd Degree
Criminal Trespass 3^rd Degree – 2 counts
Reckless Driving
Driving Without a Valid License
Several Additional Traffic Violations

The 16-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released to a guardian on a $5,000 unsecured bond.