The Dover Police Department has arrested Rouma Aldonza, 22, and a 17-year-old male, both of Dover, in connection with a shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon on Village Drive.
The investigation began at 2:35 p.m. when Dover Police received a report of a shooting in the area of Village Drive, north of Walker Road. Responding officers located the victim, a 16-year-old male resident of Dover.
Detectives determined that a Capital School District bus was dropping off a group of Dover High School students on Village Drive when the incident unfolded. The victim had just exited the bus when an unidentified masked suspect began chasing him before opening fire as they both ran. The bus driver followed established safety protocols, immediately leaving the area to ensure the safety of the students who remained on board. No injuries were reported.
Officers searched the area for the suspect and any individuals connected to the shooting but were unable to locate anyone at the time. They also responded to Dover High School to confirm that the bus had not been struck, that the driver and remaining students were unharmed, and that no active threats were present on campus.
Authorities reported that detectives identified the 17-year-old as the suspect responsible for the shooting. The investigation determined that he was driven to the scene by Aldonza police said. Detectives from the Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit later located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot of Woodmill Apartments on South Farmview Drive at approximately 7:18 p.m. The Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop, taking both the 17-year-old and Aldonza into custody without incident.
Following their arrests, detectives obtained a search warrant for an apartment in the “A” building of Woodmill Apartments. During the search, investigators recovered a 9mm handgun. Authorities confirmed that Aldonza had transported the 17-year-old to the scene of the shooting.
Both suspects were processed at the Dover Police Department and formally arraigned. The 17-year-old male was committed to the Stevenson House Detention Center on $88,000 cash bail. His charges include possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, reckless endangering in the first degree, conspiracy in the second degree, and two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited. Aldonza was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $68,000 cash bail and faces charges including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, reckless endangering in the first degree, and conspiracy in the second degree.
In response to the shooting, the Dover Police Department said there will be an increased law enforcement presence at Dover High School for the remainder of the week as a precautionary measure.