Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old Wilmington resident who investigators say used TikTok to arrange a meetup before allegedly robbing a victim of an electric bike at gunpoint.
A Wilmington teenager is facing multiple felony charges after Delaware State Police said he participated in an armed robbery that began with a social media connection and ended with the theft of an electric bike.
The robbery occurred on May 29 at approximately 5 p.m. behind a business in the 3800 block of Kirkwood Highway, according to investigators.
Troopers responding to the scene learned the victim had connected with a suspect through TikTok. Police said the two agreed to meet on Maryland Avenue in Wilmington and ride their electric bikes together.
Investigators said the victim and suspect spent time riding around the area before the suspect persuaded the victim to travel to the rear of a business on Kirkwood Highway under the pretense of creating social media videos.
Armed Suspect Appeared Behind Business
Once the pair arrived behind the business, police said a second suspect wearing a mask approached the victim.
According to investigators, the masked suspect displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s electric bike.
The victim complied, and both suspects fled with the stolen bike.
Authorities said the victim was not physically injured during the robbery.
Search Warrant Leads to Arrest
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit assumed responsibility for the case and launched an investigation.
Through investigative efforts, detectives identified the armed robbery suspect as a 15-year-old Wilmington resident.
On June 18, detectives, assisted by the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on the unit block of Courtyard Lane in Wilmington.
The teenager was taken into custody without incident.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Following his arrest, the juvenile was transported to Troop 2 and charged with several felony offenses.
The charges include:
- First-Degree Robbery
- Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
- Second-Degree Conspiracy
The teen was arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families on a $5,000 secured bond.
State police have not released additional information regarding the second suspect.
Investigation Continues
Investigators have not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.
Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Delaware State Police.
Key Points
• Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old Wilmington teen in connection with a May armed robbery.
• Investigators said the suspect connected with the victim through TikTok before arranging a meetup involving electric bikes.
• Police allege a masked accomplice displayed a handgun and stole the victim’s electric bike behind a Kirkwood Highway business.
