Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an escape from the Grace Cottage juvenile facility involving two females, one of whom is still at large, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said Troopers were called to Grace Cottage, a level IV, staff secured detention facility, located at 1825 Faulkland Road, Wilmington around 8:10 p.m., Monday, July 23, 2018, in reference to two juvenile females who fled from Youth Rehabilitative Services staff members, during an escorted group transfer from one building to another. After separating themselves from the group, who were on foot, the pair gained access to a state-owned vehicle and then fled the complex onto Delaware Route 141, according to Austin.
The pair were identified as a 15-year-old from Wilmington and a 16-year-old from of Newark.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., with the assistance of the Wilmington Police Department, Troopers located the 15-year-old in the 2300 block of N. Washington Street, in the City of Wilmington, and took her into custody without incident. The stolen 2016 Ford Focus was also recovered at this location.
The teen was charged with Escape 3rd Degree, Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Conspiracy 2nd Degree. She was arraigned and then committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on $4,500.00 secured bail.
The 16-year-old from Newark, who is described as a white female, 5’2″, 140 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes, remains at large.
Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact Detective J. Hatchell of the Troop 2 Youth Aid Division at 302-365-8583 or by calling 911.
Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
Delaware State Police have released an image and the name of the Newark teen, however, we will not publish that information here.
First State Update has a policy of not identifying minors.