Entrance to Christiana Mall - File Photo - Google Maps.

Newark woman charged after assaulting two troopers during theft arrest at christiana mall — Entrance to Christiana Mall - File Photo - Google Maps.

BEAR, DE – Delaware State Police have arrested a Newark woman accused of stealing a cell phone from the Christiana Mall and later assaulting two troopers who tried to arrest her in Bear.

According to state police, the incident began around 6 p.m. on February 6, 2026, when troopers were called to the Christiana Mall for a reported theft. Investigators said the victim’s cell phone had been stolen from a kiosk inside the mall and was later tracked electronically to a shopping center along the 1100 block of Pulaski Highway in Bear.

Troopers responding to the area located the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Shaniya Clark of Newark, inside one of the stores. When officers attempted to take her into custody, police said Clark violently resisted, injuring two troopers and damaging state police equipment. Both troopers were taken to a local hospital for treatment and later released. The stolen phone was recovered and returned to the victim.

Felony charges filed

Clark was charged with two counts of Assault in the Second Degree – Injuring a Law Enforcement Officer (felony), Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence (felony), Theft under $1,500, and two counts of Criminal Mischief under $1,000.

She was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $5,900 cash bond.

Key takeaways

• Shaniya Clark, 21, accused of stealing a cell phone at Christiana Mall and assaulting two troopers in Bear.
• Both troopers sustained injuries during the arrest and were treated and released.
• Clark faces multiple felony charges and remains held on $5,900 cash bond.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing but credited quick response and electronic tracking for helping locate the suspect and recover the stolen property.

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