NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police today announced the arrest of a 17-year-old juvenile male from Newark, DE with criminal charges in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at the Christiana Mall in early April.
The criminal complaint alleges that on April 8, 2023, at approximately 6:43 p.m., the Delaware State Police responded to the Christiana Mall for a reported shooting at the food court entrance. Investigation revealed that three male suspects confronted an 18-year-old male victim as he was exiting the food court. The three suspects began to physically assault the victim, at which point the victim’s two friends entered the physical altercation and began fighting with the suspects. During the fight, one suspect removed a handgun from his waistband and began firing multiple rounds. The first victim and his friend, a 16-year-old male were both struck by three rounds in the torso and the lower extremities. The suspects then fled the scene.
There was one 18-year-old victim who was standing on the sidewalk outside of the entrance when he was struck by one round in the lower extremity. He was transported to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Through investigative means, troopers have identified one of the three suspects. On April 18, 2023, the 17-year-old suspect turned himself in at Troop 2 where he was charged with Facilitate a Riot (Felony), Conspiracy Second Degree (Felony), and Offensive Touching. The juvenile was arraigned in the New Castle County Family Court and committed to a Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services facility on a $15,000 secured bail.
The remaining two suspects have not been identified at this time. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Delaware State Police is asking anyone with information about the incident or the identities of the suspects or who has any images or video of the incident to contact Detective H. Carroll of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit by calling 302-365-8467. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Information is subject to change at any time as additional details may emerge. Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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