A 14-year-old Wilmington resident has been charged following a stolen vehicle investigation early Friday morning that ended in a crash and foot pursuit.
Officers with the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched at approximately 3:18 a.m. on April 17, 2026, to the 400 block of South Scott Street for a report of a recently stolen Kia Optima. While searching the area, an officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed as officers continued their pursuit.
The vehicle subsequently crashed into a tree in the Canby Park community. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended by responding officers after a brief pursuit.
The suspect, identified as a 14-year-old male from Wilmington, was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with multiple offenses, including possession of burglary tools, theft of a motor vehicle, conspiracy in the second degree, theft under $1,500, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and loitering.
He was arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and released on $13,000 unsecured bail. Authorities said a second juvenile present during the incident was released without charges.