The Delaware State Police made multiple arrests in Lewes, Delaware, involving stolen property, foot pursuits, and hindering prosecution.
The incident led to the arrest of two teenagers for possessing a stolen motor vehicle and resisting arrest, while two adults were taken into custody for obstructing the investigation.
At approximately 9:36 p.m. on July 31st, a trooper spotted a silver Kia Soul traveling on Nassau Commons Boulevard in Lewes. The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier that day. The trooper quickly reacted, and upon approaching the Kia, two occupants, both wearing ski masks, fled from the scene on foot, abandoning the stolen vehicle on a dead-end street police said Wednesday. The area was canvassed, and law enforcement officers were able to identify the suspects as a 13-year-old male from Lewes and a 16-year-old male from Rehoboth Beach.
During the search, the 13-year-old suspect was found hiding in a stranger’s shed and was taken into custody without incident. Simultaneously, the hunt for the 16-year-old suspect led troopers to the residence of Sean Rodgers and Tonia Perkins, both 18 years old, located on the 31000 block of Maple Court.
However, instead of cooperating with the authorities, Rodgers and Perkins repeatedly misled troopers about the presence of the 16-year-old suspect in their home according to police. This act of hindering the investigation ultimately led to their arrest for obstructing justice.
Following the apprehension of the 16-year-old suspect, all four individuals were taken to Troop 7 for further processing. They were charged with various crimes related to the stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.
The charges against the 13-year-old male included receiving stolen property, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana by a person under 18, resisting arrest, and criminal trespass in the third degree. The 16-year-old male was charged with receiving stolen property, wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, and resisting arrest.
Both teenagers were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3 and later released into the custody of their parents.
Sean Rodgers, an 18-year-old resident of Lewes, was arrested and charged with the offense of hindering prosecution, a felony charge. Additionally, he faces a civil violation for possession of personal use marijuana by a person under 21 police said. Rodgers appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 3 for arraignment and was released on his own recognizance.
Tonia Perkins, also an 18-year-old resident of Lewes, surrendered herself at Troop 7 on August 1, 2023. She, too, was charged with hindering prosecution, classified as a felony offense. Perkins appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 2 for arraignment, and like Rodgers, she was released on her own recognizance.