NEWARK, DE – Two 16-year-olds have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery and stolen vehicle investigation stemming from a violent encounter on Wharton Drive earlier this week, Newark Police announced Friday.
According to the Newark Police Department, officers were called to the 900 block of Wharton Drive around 5 p.m. on February 16 after a victim reported being robbed at gunpoint by an acquaintance and an accomplice. Police say the pair had been at the victim’s apartment earlier that day when a dispute escalated into violence.
The suspects allegedly produced a handgun, struck the victim several times, and stole his belongings — including car keys — before fleeing in the victim’s vehicle. The victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment.
Police track suspects through stolen vehicle and witness leads
Detectives quickly identified the suspects as a 16-year-old male and a 16-year-old female, both from Newark. The female suspect was located two days later inside the stolen car by members of the Newark Police Street Crimes Unit and allied agencies. She was arraigned and held at the New Castle County Juvenile Detention Center on $42,100 cash bail.
The male suspect turned himself in at Newark Police Headquarters on February 20 and was arraigned at Family Court, where he received $20,000 unsecured bail.
- Two 16-year-olds charged in Newark armed robbery and car theft
- Female suspect arrested in stolen vehicle; male later surrendered
- Both face felony counts including robbery and firearm possession
Both juveniles have been charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree conspiracy, and criminal mischief under $1,500.
Investigation continues into Newark juvenile armed robbery case