WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington Police announced the arrest of two juveniles in connection with a vehicle theft and multiple attempted vehicle theft incidents believed to be connected to the trend affecting certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
The criminal complaint alleges that on May 12 at approximately 11:43 p.m., police officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Hancock Street in reference to a report of two subjects breaking into multiple vehicles in the block. As officers arrived, they observed two subjects matching the description provided to police enter a vehicle – which was being driven by a third subject. Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle, at which time all three subjects fled.
Police were able to take the driver of the vehicle, a 16-year-old male, into custody following a foot pursuit. The suspect actively resisted arrest, and both he and a police officer sustained minor injuries. Both the suspect and police officer were transported to the hospital, and both were treated and released.
Police were also able to take one of the passengers, a 15-year-old male, into custody following a foot pursuit – during which the juvenile jumped into the Brandywine River in an attempt to evade arrest. The suspect was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and released.
The third suspect is outstanding at this time.
Police determined that the vehicle occupied by the suspects had recently been stolen from the 1200 block of North Market Street. Additionally, police located three additional vehicles in the area of the motor vehicle stop that had been broken into, and each had damage to the ignition switch.
The 16-year-old male has been charged with the following offenses:
- Receiving Stolen Property
- Assault (Second Degree)
- Resisting Arrest With Force
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
- Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft – Three Counts
- Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 – Four Counts
- Conspiracy (Second Degree)
- Possession of Burglary Tools
He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and was released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings.
The 15-year-old male has been charged with the following offenses:
- Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft – Three Counts
- Conspiracy (Second Degree) – Two Counts
- Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 – Three Counts
- Resisting Arrest
He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and was released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings.
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.
This incident, as well as the attempted thefts and stolen vehicles involved in the case, are believed to be connected with an ongoing trend affecting certain Hyundai and Kia models.
Police are urging motorists not to leave their cars unattended while running or with the keys inside and to avoid leaving any valuables visible, reminding drivers to be aware of spare keys that may be left in their vehicles that could facilitate theft.
If you own a Hyundai or Kia affected by the reported theft-friendly software issue, it is important to get in touch with your dealership to explore possible remedies. Additionally, vehicle owners can explore other anti-theft devices to help prevent theft and secure their vehicles.
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