Delaware State Police have updated a story that only First State Update brought you last weekend.
A 17-year-old New Castle teen has been arrested for a felony assault that occurred at the Christiana Mall in Newark on Saturday evening.
Officials said on February 24, 2024, at approximately 6:07 p.m., troopers responded to the Christiana Mall located at 750 Christiana Mall for a report of several teenage males fighting. Upon arriving, troopers learned a 14-year-old teen and a 16-year-old teen were walking around the mall when they were surrounded by a group of unknown teenage males.
An argument ensued between the teens, during which one of the suspects hit the 16-year-old victim and then pushed him to the ground as he tried to leave. The suspects proceeded to kick and punch the 16-year-old victim, which led to the 14-year-old teen running over to help his friend. The suspects pushed the 14-year-old teen to the ground next to the 16-year-old and continued kicking and punching both victims before fleeing on foot towards the parking lot as mall security approached.
One of the suspects, identified as the 17-year-old New Castle teen, was taken into custody without incident.
The 14-year-old victim was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for serious injuries. The 17-year-old teen was turned over to a guardian while the extent of the 14-year-old’s injuries were being evaluated at the hospital. The 16-year-old teen sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining 3 suspects are described as teenagers and have not been identified at this time.
We reported on Saturday that initial reports indicated that the 14-year-old was kicked in the head and unresponsive when Troopers called for an ambulance.
On February 25, 2024, the 17-year-old teen turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with Assault Second Degree (Felony), Assault Third Degree, and Disorderly Conduct – 2 Counts.
The teen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released to a guardian on a $3,700 unsecured bond.
