Patrol officers with the New Castle County Division of Police responded to a report of vehicle break-ins in the Chapman Woods Townhomes community during the early morning hours of April 10, 2026, leading to the arrest of two juveniles and the recovery of a loaded handgun.
Authorities said officers were dispatched at approximately 2:24 a.m. to the unit block of Alexis Drive after receiving reports of individuals attempting to enter vehicles. Upon arrival, officers located three individuals matching the descriptions provided by callers.
A 16-year-old male and a 14-year-old male, both from Wilmington, were taken into custody at the scene without incident. During the investigation, police determined the 14-year-old was in possession of marijuana and property that was later confirmed to have been taken from a victim’s vehicle.
A third suspect, identified as a 15-year-old male from Wilmington, fled on foot but was quickly apprehended on Alexis Drive following a brief pursuit. Police reported that during the chase, the suspect discarded a loaded silver handgun, which was recovered by an officer.
The 16-year-old male was released without charges.
The 15-year-old male was charged with multiple felony offenses, including possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person under 21, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and resisting arrest with force or violence, along with misdemeanor charges. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to a juvenile detention center after failing to post $27,500 secured bail.
The 14-year-old male was charged with misdemeanor offenses including possession of marijuana and theft under $1,500. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $7,000 unsecured bail.
