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Edgemoor – Last Thursday, (November 30) Patrol Officers from the New Castle County Police Department were dispatched to the unit block of North Rodney Drive reference a theft report. When they arrived they learned that the 10-year-old victim suffered from Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair or a walker, according to police.
Officials said the victim’s mother reported that she wheeled the victim out to the car in her walker, placed the victim in the car and then drove away leaving the walker in the front yard. When she realized her mistake approximately 20 minutes had lapsed. The victim’s mother contacted her husband who was still at the house and when he looked outside the walker was gone
Surveillance video was captured in reference to this incident and same was provided to local news media, by a neighbor of the victim. The video showed a white Chevrolet 1500, pull up to the above-listed residence. A middle-aged black male could be seen exiting the passenger side of the vehicle at which time he removed the above listed royal blue walker, from the victim’s front yard, said police.
After receiving an anonymous tip, New Castle County Police Officers were able to locate the vehicle in the unit block of Robinson Drive (New Castle 19720). The 51-year-old owner of the vehicle, Leland Watson was taken into custody, said police. During the course of the investigation, 49-year-old Donald Cale was also apprehended for his role in the incident, according to authorities.
Both subjects were taken to New Castle County Police Headquarters and arraigned. Leland Watson was charged with: Theft (Felony), Conspiracy 2nd (Felony), and Possession of Heroin (Misdemeanor) and Donald Cale was charged with: Theft (Felony) and Conspiracy 2nd (Felony).
Leland Watson was released on $2100 unsecured bail and Donald Cale was released on $2000 unsecured bail.
In lieu of this incident, The New Castle County Police has received an outpouring of generosity from the community. Numerous citizens have contacted us and want to make donations. We are unable to accept donations as per departmental policy. However, if you still would like to donate authorities recommend that before making any donation that you verify the legitimacy of the organization through the Better Business Bureau or websites such as Give.org or Charity Navigator.
Original Story
Edgemoor – Last Thursday, November 30, Patrol Officers from the New Castle County Police Department were dispatched to the unit block of North Rodney Drive reference a theft report, according to M/Cpl. Heather Carter.
Carter said when they arrived they learned that the 10-year-old victim suffered from Cerebral Palsy and is confined to a wheelchair or a walker. The victim’s mother reported that she wheeled the victim out to the car in her walker, placed the victim in the car and then drove away leaving the walker in the front yard. When she realized her mistake approximately 20 minutes had lapsed. The victim’s mother contacted her husband who was still at the house and when he looked outside the walker was gone.
The walker is described as a 3-foot tall custom royal blue walker with a fold-down seat.
If you have any information, please contact Officer First Class Mihalyi at [email protected] or The New Castle County Police at (302) 573-2800.Citizens can also submit a tip via our website at http://www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook at New Castle County Police Department. Citizens who currently have the smartphone application are encouraged to use the “submit tip” tab to submit tips. Select a topic by using the “drop down” and complete the tip by “clicking” submit. The New Castle County Police Smartphone Application is free to download and available for all iPhone and Android smartphones.