The Delaware State Police arrested a 14-year-old male from Penns Grove, New Jersey, and a 16-year-old male from Deepwater, New Jersey, for multiple felony offenses following a pursuit in a stolen vehicle that occurred Sunday night in New Castle.
Officials said on December 29, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., troopers on patrol in the area of State Route 1 southbound and Christiana Road in New Castle, observed a white 2012 Kia Optima with New Jersey registration occupied by two teens.
A computer inquiry of the Kia’s tag showed it was reported stolen to the Carneys Point Police Department in New Jersey on December 29, 2024. Troopers subsequently initiated a traffic stop, which the Kia disregarded as it fled across the front lawn of a residence on Lanford Road at a high rate of speed and nearly struck a pedestrian before striking a mailbox.
During the pursuit, the Kia committed numerous traffic violations, which culminated in a collision with a Nissan Maxima at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and School Lane. After the collision, the Kia’s operator fled on foot on North Dupont Highway. The operator, identified as a 14-year-old male, was ultimately taken into custody after a brief foot chase. The passenger, identified as a 16-year-old male, remained in the Kia after the collision and was taken into custody without incident. The operator of the Nissan was taken to an area hospital by EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, a search of the stolen Kia led to the discovery of screwdrivers and multiple pairs of gloves. Troopers also observed damage to the Kia’s steering wheel column and ignition, and no vehicle key. This type of damage is consistent with the nationwide trend of Kias being stolen using a screwdriver. The two teens were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.
The 14-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $21,500 secured bond.
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
- Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree
- Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000 – 2 counts
- Criminal Mischief Under $1,000
- Resisting Arrest
- Vehicular Assault 3rd Degree
- Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree – 2 counts
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Without a Valid License
- Several Additional Traffic Violations
The 16-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released to a guardian on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Breaking Report
On Sunday, emergency crews responded to a vehicle accident at North Dupont Highway and School Lane in New Castle, shortly before 5:00 p.m.
Preliminary reports indicate that a 38-year-old woman was struck on the side of her vehicle, by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Witnesses at the scene tell FSU that police were chasing the vehicle prior to the crash, though official details are yet to be confirmed by authorities.
The woman was transported from the scene by ambulance with injuries of an undetermined nature. At this time, it is not clear if any other individuals sustained injuries as a result of the crash.
Law enforcement officials have not released further information about the incident. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
This is a developing story.