Delaware State Police have arrested a 16-year-old male, of Newark, for felony assault and weapons charges following a shooting last Thursday, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said on Thursday, July 01, 2021, at approximately 1:10 p.m., troopers responded to the Cigarette Outlet located at 13 Salem Village Square, Newark, for a shooting investigation. Troopers determined two male suspects were approached by a 19-year-old female victim inside the store and engaged in a verbal altercation. Once outside the store, one suspect walked to his vehicle parked in the fire lane and retrieved a handgun. The suspect then began firing at the victim, said Hatchell. The suspects then fled the scene. The victim was treated and released at an area hospital for a graze wound to her lower extremity.
Through further investigation troopers determined the identity of the shooter, a 16-year-old male suspect. On July 6, 2021, officers from New Castle County Police Department located the 16-year-old suspect and took him into custody without incident.
While in police custody the suspect was charged with the following crimes:
Assault 2nd Degree (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Juvenile (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Criminal Mischief
The 16-year-old suspect was arraigned in the New Castle Family Court and committed to the New Castle County Juvenile Detention Center on $100,000 cash bond.
Delaware State Police is still seeking the public’s assistance with identifying the second suspect.