New Castle, DE – On Thursday, two New Castle County Police detectives, along with a Delaware Juvenile Probation Officer, all assigned to the Division’s Safe Streets Team were operating in an undercover capacity, inside a vehicle, in the 100 block of Parma Avenue – Arbor Place Townhomes. These officers were in the area to gather intelligence regarding juveniles known to be involved in violent crime. After observing several juveniles in a wooded area, the officers started their car and began to drive from the area. As they neared the parkland on Parma Avenue, multiple shots were fired at the officers’ vehicle. The officers were able to flee the area without being injured.
Other members of the Division of Police converged on the area and, with the assistance of the involved officers, a residence of interest was quickly established. As officers attempted to contact the occupants of that residence, multiple individuals fled from the home, many jumping from windows. All were taken into custody without incident.
During the investigation, which remains ongoing, detectives conducted a series of interviews and executed a number of search warrants. Based on the information gathered and the evidence collected, detectives were able to charge two juveniles and one adult with the following charges:
Juvenile #1, a 15-year-old male, was charged with Attempted Murder 1st Degree (3 Counts), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Conspiracy 1st Degree.
Juvenile #2, a 16-year-old male, was charged with Attempted Murder 1st Degree (3 Counts), Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, and Conspiracy 1st Degree.
Rashid Snow, an 18-year-old male, was charged with Providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement with the Intent to Delay/Hinder and Investigation.
Snow was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on $2,000.00 Unsecured bail. Both Juvenile #1 and Juvenile #2 were arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of $95,000.00 cash bail.
Colonel Joseph Bloch, chief of the New Castle County Division of Police issued the following statement:
“What occurred yesterday on Parma Avenue demonstrates the real-life dangers America’s police officers face daily. I am grateful that our officers, and the Juvenile Probation Officer assigned to our Safe Street team, were able to return home to their families, unharmed; the reality is, that is not always a guarantee. The brazen actions by these juvenile offenders are disturbing and cause me great concern not only for the safety of Delaware’s Law Enforcement but, for each member of the public. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to address the violence that occurs in our communities and continue to make New Castle County a safe place to live and work.”