Delaware State Police have arrested two 15-year-old males, one from Newark and the other from Wilmington, in connection with a burglary that took place early Monday morning at a business in Wilmington.
On July 15, 2024, at approximately 3:58 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a burglary at Z Smoke Land, located at 5337 Limestone Road in Wilmington. Upon arrival, they discovered one of the suspects behind the shopping center. The suspect, identified as a 15-year-old from Newark, did not comply with verbal commands and attempted to flee. He was quickly apprehended following a K9 deployment. During this apprehension, troopers observed a second suspect fleeing northward but were unable to locate him.
Investigators determined that the two white male suspects had drilled a hole into the smoke shop’s front door, entered the premises, and stole various merchandise according to police. The Newark teen was taken to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the K9 apprehension. After being discharged, he was transported to Troop 2, where he faced multiple charges. Detectives from Troop 2 Property Crimes subsequently identified the second suspect as a 15-year-old male from Wilmington and issued a warrant for his arrest.
The 15-year-old from Newark was charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Burglar Tools, Theft of $1,500 or Greater, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Criminal Mischief, and Resisting Arrest. He was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and released to a guardian on his own recognizance.
On July 16, 2024, the 15-year-old suspect from Wilmington turned himself in at Troop 2. He faced identical charges, was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and was similarly released to a guardian on his own recognizance.