Smyrna, DE – Two juvenile suspects are in custody following an armed carjacking and multi-jurisdictional pursuit that began in Smyrna and concluded after a crash in Smyrna, following a pursuit through Dover and into Maryland.
According to the Delaware State Police, troopers responded at approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 3, 2025, to Berry Drive in Smyrna for a report of an armed carjacking. The investigation determined that the victim gave two unknown black male suspects a ride in his Mazda CX-5 to the area of Holly Hill Estates. Upon arriving on Berry Drive, one suspect reportedly pointed a firearm at the victim while the other restrained him against his seat. The suspects demanded the vehicle’s keys. After the victim complied, the suspects fled the area in the Mazda police said.
Shortly after the incident, the Dover Police Department observed the stolen Mazda using the City of Dover’s camera system near River Road and Court Street. Officers located the vehicle parked on Sussex Avenue and attempted a traffic stop. The driver accelerated, leading officers on a pursuit through the City of Dover, westbound on Route 8, and into Barclay, Maryland. The pursuit ended in the 2600 block of Wheatleys Pond Road in Smyrna, where the vehicle crashed into a residence. The 14-year-old driver fled on foot and was located hiding in a tree line. The 17-year-old passenger surrendered at the scene.
During the investigation, Dover Police recovered a loaded Tokarev 7.62 25mm semi-automatic handgun in the area where the 17-year-old passenger was observed discarding an object at the beginning of the incident according to police.
The 17-year-old male from Georgetown was charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 21, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Ammunition for a Firearm by a Person Under 21, Attempted to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief valued between $1,000 and $5,000, and Theft Under $1,500. He was arraigned by Kent County Family Court and committed to the Stevenson House Detention Center on a $5,000 cash bond.
The 14-year-old male from Dover was charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Conspiracy 1st Degree, Possession of Ammunition for a Firearm by a Person Under 21, Attempted to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief valued between $1,000 and $5,000, and Theft Under $1,500. He was arraigned by Kent County Family Court and committed to VisionQuest on a $3,000 secured bond.
