Delaware State Police say boys aged 14, 15, and 16 fled after wrecking a stolen Ford Explorer.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Three teenagers from Wilmington were arrested Sunday afternoon after crashing a stolen SUV and trying to flee from Delaware State Police during a chase through Elsmere and Wilmington.
Investigators said the incident began around noon when dispatchers alerted troopers about a Ford Explorer reported stolen a day earlier by the New Castle County Police Department. A state trooper spotted the vehicle heading east on Kirkwood Highway near Poplar Avenue and began following it while waiting for backup.
According to police, the stolen Explorer ran a red light at North Dupont Road and North Maryland Avenue before colliding with a Dodge Ram pickup truck on South Dupont Road. The impact left the truck’s driver, a 62-year-old man from Newark, with non-life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The 14-year-old driver and a 15-year-old passenger ran from the crash but were caught after a brief foot chase. A 16-year-old passenger stayed at the scene and was taken into custody without incident. None of the three juveniles were injured, police said.
Teens face felony stolen property charges
All three suspects were taken to Delaware State Police Troop 6 for processing. The 14-year-old, who police identified as the driver, faces charges including receiving stolen property valued over $1,500, resisting arrest, third-degree vehicular assault, and multiple traffic offenses. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families on a $3,700 secured bond.
The 15-year-old passenger was charged with felony receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. He was arraigned and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond. The 16-year-old faces a single count of felony receiving stolen property and was released on a $1,000 unsecured bond.
Crash under investigation
Police said the stolen Ford Explorer was recovered at the scene, and investigators are working with the New Castle County Police Department to determine how the vehicle was stolen. Troopers closed the intersection of South Dupont Road for a short time Sunday afternoon while clearing the crash and collecting evidence.
Authorities confirmed that all three juveniles are from Wilmington and that additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of the investigation. The injured driver is expected to recover.
Delaware State Police said the case serves as a reminder of the risks and consequences of vehicle theft and reckless driving, particularly among juveniles.