The Lewes Police Department has announced the arrest of a 17-year-old Ellendale resident in connection with a shooting that occurred at the Jefferson Apartments on November 28, 2025.
Police were dispatched to the apartment complex at 825 Kings Highway after reports of gunfire. Investigators determined that an unknown suspect fired approximately 30 rounds from an assault-type rifle from the parking lot toward a second-floor apartment before fleeing the scene in a silver vehicle. At the time of the shooting, five people were inside the apartment and asleep.
A 10-year-old juvenile who was near a window was struck in the forearm and transported by medical helicopter to A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington for treatment. The child underwent surgery to remove the projectile and was later listed in serious but stable condition. The remaining four occupants were not injured.
Following several days of investigation that included dozens of interviews and the collection and examination of physical evidence, detectives identified a suspect. The juvenile was formally arrested and charged with Assault in the First Degree, four counts of Reckless Endangering in the First Degree, four counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Criminal Mischief over $5,000.
The defendant was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to the Stevenson House State Detention Facility in default of $141,000 bail. The investigation remains ongoing.
