MIDDLETOWN, DE — Delaware State Police have charged a 12-year-old Middletown student following an investigation into an alleged attempted robbery at Louis L. Redding Middle School, an incident authorities say unfolded inside a school bathroom earlier this month.
According to police, school officials at Louis L. Redding Middle School, located at 201 New Street, contacted state police on January 13, 2026, to report an attempted robbery on campus. Youth Aid detectives later determined the incident allegedly occurred the previous day, January 12, when a 12-year-old male student confronted another 12-year-old male student in a bathroom.
Investigators allege the suspect pushed the victim against a wall and demanded his personal property while holding a knife. Police said the victim refused and was able to escape without injury.
Authorities reported that a witness came forward the following day and notified school officials of the alleged encounter. During the school’s response, officials located a knife inside the suspect’s bookbag. The student was suspended, and Delaware State Police were contacted to investigate.
Following the investigation, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the juvenile suspect. On January 23, 2026, the student turned himself in at Troop 2, police said.
The juvenile was charged with attempted robbery in the first degree, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, possession of a weapon in a safe recreation zone, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. All charges are allegations.
Police said the juvenile was arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and released on a $4,000 unsecured bond.
All criminal charges are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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