Newark– Delaware State Police are investigating a carjacking that took place in the parking lot of Wawa on Sunday evening, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said the incident occurred at approximately 4:57 p.m., April 18, 2021, in the parking lot of Wawa, located at 1750 Capitol Trail in Newark. The 22-year-old male victim parked and left his unlocked black 2018 Volkswagen Jetta unattended as he entered Wawa to make a purchase. Upon returning to his car, there was a suspect hidden in the rear seat. The suspect displayed a handgun at the victim and instructed him to drive, said Hatchell. The victim complied and drove to the area of Route 2 and Creekside Drive where he was ordered out of the vehicle. The suspect then occupied the driver seat and fled in the stolen vehicle on E. Green Valley Circle. The victim was not injured as a result of the incident.
The Delaware State Police has also issued a public warning about a recent increase in thefts of vehicles in the New Castle County area. The Delaware State Police, Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit, has recently seen an increase of vehicle thefts occurring in the Delaware State Police jurisdiction. A majority of the thefts have been occurring at gas stations in which a vehicle was left unattended, idling, or unlocked with the keys left in the vehicle. In many cases, the most common practice is a victim leaving their car running in a parking lot while they go into a store for a quick purchase, said Hatchell.
Some car thieves look for cars idling in parking lots. Once they see a car is left unattended, all they have to do is walk up and drive away. The thefts of vehicles can be prevented. Please make sure when you exit your vehicle, your doors are locked, you remove your keys, and you park in a conspicuous location.
Hatchell said the suspect was described as a black female wearing all dark clothing and a black Covid style mask.
The stolen vehicle has not been recovered.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. McDerby of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-834-2620.