Two Charged And Released In Dover Auto Thefts Lead Police On Pursuit

The Dover Police Department arrested four suspects and is seeking a fifth in connection with the Intellicar burglary/vehicle thefts that occurred Monday, according to Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman.

Hoffman said on September 28th at 2:07 p.m., a Dover officer on patrol observed the gray 2017 Ford Explorer traveling on White Oak Road in the area of Dover Park. When officers attempted to stop the car, it fled eastbound and onto Route 9, eventually traveling to Persimmon Park and crashing in the area of Susan Place and six occupants all fled on foot. Robert Stecher,19, a 16-year-old male from Dover, a 13-year-old male from Dover, and a 16-year-old female from Dover. The 16-year-old female is the same suspect that was arrested approximately 12 hours earlier for the same incident, said Hoffman.

Dakota Stecher, 18, was also seen fleeing from police but eluded arrest and is currently wanted for Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. Dakota Stecher had been arrested approximately 12 hours prior as well.

The 13-year-old male suspect and a 16-year-old female were also charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. Both were turned over to their parent/guardians after being charged.

The 16-year-old male suspect was the driver of the vehicle and was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Disregard Police Officer’s Signal, Resisting Arrest, and several traffic-related offenses. He was turned over to his parent/guardian after being charged.

Robert Stecher was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. Stecher was released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.

At this time, the stolen black 2017 Honda Accord has not been recovered.

Original Story

On Monday morning four vehicles were stolen from Intellicar (115 N. DuPont Highway) after suspects broke into the business, according to Public Information Office Sergeant Mark Hoffman.

Hoffman said officers on patrol initially observed a black SUV driving at a high rate of speed in the area of DuPont Highway at Division Street. The vehicle fled the area at that time. Officers then observed two additional vehicles at Edgemont Avenue and Maple Parkway with no headlights on that also fled at a high rate of speed. Officers then began checking area car dealerships, suspecting that the vehicles may have been stolen. During this check, officers discovered that the suspects had shattered a glass garage door at Intellicar with large rocks and removed the vehicle keys from inside, said Hoffman.

A short time later, officers stopped a black Lincoln MKX with an Intellicar tag on the rear and arrested Dakota Stecher (18) without incident.

Officers also arrested a 16-year-old female in connection with the incident after she approached the scene and advised she left her phone in the back of the car, according to Hoffman.

Further investigation led to the recovery of a second car in the area of Persimmon Lane and Persimmon Circle.

It was later learned that two additional vehicles were stolen by other suspects, including a black 2017 Honda Accord and a gray 2016 Ford Explorer.

Both Dakota Stecher and the 16-year-old juvenile were charged with the following offenses:
-Burglary 3rd Degree
-Criminal Mischief
-Theft over $1,500
-Theft of a Motor Vehicle (3x)
-Conspiracy 2nd Degree
-Traffic Offenses

Stecher was released on an O.R. bond and the 16-yer-old juvenile was turned over to a guardian after being charged.

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