A stolen SUV discovered at a New Castle gas station escalated into a foot chase and arrests involving two teenagers Monday afternoon.
New Castle, DE – Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old Wilmington male and a 15-year-old New Castle female Monday afternoon after troopers located a stolen Toyota Highlander at a Wawa gas station on North Dupont Highway, an incident that led to a foot pursuit, a reported injury to a trooper, and multiple felony charges.
The encounter unfolded around 4:45 p.m. Monday at the Wawa located at 4000 North Dupont Highway, where a Delaware State Police trooper on patrol identified the stolen SUV parked at a gas pump with both teenagers inside. The discovery quickly escalated when the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to leave the area, prompting a pursuit that ended in an arrest and additional charges tied to violence against law enforcement.
Foot pursuit and arrest at Wawa scene
According to Delaware State Police, the 17-year-old driver exited the Toyota Highlander and walked toward the rear of the store, where he met with a group of other ახალგაზრდiles. As the trooper approached, the group fled on foot, leading to a chase through the immediate area of the gas station.
The trooper was able to apprehend the 17-year-old, who then resisted arrest. During the struggle, authorities said the teen caused non-life-threatening injuries to the trooper. The situation remained active as the arrest was taking place, with additional movement around the scene.
At the same time, the 15-year-old female passenger approached the area of the arrest and caused what police described as a disturbance before fleeing on foot. Her actions added to the unfolding situation as officers worked to secure the scene and take the driver into custody.
A short time later, an officer with the New Castle County Police Department located the 15-year-old walking along a nearby street. She was taken into custody without incident and turned over to investigators.
Charges and custody status for both teens
Investigators determined that the 15-year-old was aware the Toyota Highlander had been reported stolen, leading to felony charges. Both teens were transported to Delaware State Police Troop 2 for processing following their arrests.
The 17-year-old faces multiple charges, including receiving stolen property valued over $1,500, resisting arrest with violence that injured a peace officer, second-degree conspiracy, and offensive touching of a law enforcement officer. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families on a $7,000 secured bond.
The 15-year-old was charged with receiving stolen property, second-degree conspiracy, and disorderly conduct. She was also arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on a $2,100 unsecured bond.
Key Points
- Delaware State Police located a stolen SUV at a Wawa in New Castle, leading to a foot chase and arrests
- A 17-year-old driver resisted arrest and injured a trooper, resulting in multiple felony charges
- A 15-year-old passenger was later arrested nearby and charged after investigators determined she knew the vehicle was stolen
Incidents involving stolen vehicles and juvenile suspects remain a focus for law enforcement agencies across New Castle County, where coordinated efforts between Delaware State Police and local departments continue to address theft-related offenses and associated public safety risks. Authorities have not released additional details about the origin of the stolen Toyota Highlander or whether other individuals involved in the initial group remain under investigation.
The case remains active as both arrests move through the court system, with Delaware State Police continuing to review evidence and coordinate with prosecutors regarding the charges filed.