CLAYMONT, DE — A 16-year-old male from Claymont has been arrested and charged following allegations that he stole a vehicle from a Wawa parking lot on Sunday evening, according to Delaware State Police.
On July 6, 2025, at approximately 5:31 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle at the Wawa located at 697 Naamans Road in Claymont. Upon arrival, officers learned that a 34-year-old man had left his Volkswagen Tiguan running and unlocked while he briefly went inside the store. During that time, a masked suspect dressed in dark clothing entered the unattended vehicle and drove away in an unknown direction.
Through investigative efforts, troopers later found the stolen Volkswagen Tiguan unoccupied in the area of Sterling Avenue, also in Claymont. Further inquiry revealed that the suspect had abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby residence.
Troopers subsequently entered the home on Sterling Avenue, where they located and arrested the 16-year-old suspect without incident.
The teenager was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 1, where he was charged with theft of a motor vehicle (felony), wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony (felony), and theft under $1,500. Following arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 11, he was committed to the New Castle County Detention Center on a $7,000 secured bond.
All charges in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.