Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged one teen and are looking for a second suspect in reference to a vehicle theft investigation.
Officials said on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 03:30 a.m., patrol officers responded to the 300 block of Harbor Drive in Claymont in reference to a report of suspects breaking into cars. The suspects were described as two males wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks.
Officers arrived at the scene and learned that the suspects had stolen a silver Hyundai Accent from the parking lot. Officers followed the vehicle at which time a brief vehicle pursuit occurred. The suspects then attempted to jump from the vehicle without placing it into park.
The driver of the vehicle fled into a nearby alleyway. The passenger ran in front of the stolen car and was hit by the vehicle which also struck a second parked car. The passenger was taken into custody and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution for minor injuries. He was identified as a 14-year-old male from Wilmington. He was later transported to New Castle County Police headquarters. During the investigation, officers located latex gloves, a mask, screwdrivers, and a USB cord which is commonly used to break into certain Kia and Hyundai models police said. Officers were unable to locate the second suspect.
The 14-year-old suspect was charged with one felony count of possession of burglar tools, one felony count of theft of a motor vehicle, one felony count of disregarding a police officer signal, one felony count of conspiracy in the second degree, one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, and one misdemeanor count of breach of release. He was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and held in lieu of $7,000 secured bail.