On Monday, June 24, 2024, at 2:43 p.m., the New Castle County Division of Police was dispatched to the 900 block of East Avenue in response to a report of a stolen Kia Sportage. As officers responded, members of the Mobile Enforcement Team spotted the stolen vehicle and initiated surveillance, following it into the Collins Park area. The vehicle came to a stop near Howell Drive, where four occupants exited and attempted to flee on foot.
Officers from the Mobile Enforcement Team swiftly apprehended three of the suspects near the stolen Kia police said. The fourth suspect was later arrested after emerging from the nearby woods. All the suspects, who are teenagers, were transported to the New Castle County Police headquarters for processing.
The suspects faced the following charges:
- One felony count of theft of a motor vehicle.
- One felony count of receiving stolen property over $1500.
- One felony count of conspiracy second-degree.
- One felony count of burglary third-degree.
- One misdemeanor count of resisting arrest.
The 15-year-old male from New Castle was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $9,500 unsecured bail. Another 15-year-old male from New Castle was also arraigned at the same court and released on $5,000 unsecured bail. A 14-year-old male from New Castle faced similar charges and was released on $5,000 unsecured bail following his arraignment. The youngest suspect, a 12-year-old male from New Castle, was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.