WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington Police have arrested a 16-year-old male following an alleged vehicle theft and short pursuit that began with an attempted traffic stop on Saturday evening, according to officials.
Police report that the incident started around 6:50 p.m. on December 6 when officers with the Uniformed Services Division attempted to stop a vehicle near West 24th and North Washington Streets for a traffic violation. The vehicle reportedly fled, and moments later collided with an occupied vehicle near West 20th and North Washington Streets. Two juvenile males then fled the scene on foot.
A short time later, police located one of the juveniles in the 2000 block of North Washington Street. Officers took the 16-year-old into custody without further incident. No injuries from the collision were detailed in the release.
Investigators say the vehicle involved in the pursuit was determined to be stolen. Officers also recovered a vehicle key belonging to a second stolen vehicle, which was located separately near East 2nd and North Walnut Streets.
The juvenile has been charged with several offenses, all of which are considered allegations:
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal
- Conspiracy (Second Degree)
- Resisting Arrest
Police note that additional traffic citations were issued in connection with the attempted stop and subsequent crash.
The teen was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $5,000 unsecured bail. As in all criminal cases, a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the second juvenile who fled the scene.
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