(New Castle, DE 19720) Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged two suspects following an investigation into a New Castle shooting. On Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 3:31 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to the New Castle Crossing apartment complex for a shooting that just occurred. Two officers in the area observed a vehicle fleeing at a high rate of speed from the scene at which time they attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued to flee and crashed near 295 and New Castle Avenue. Officers arrived at the crash and contacted the driver, Adrien Owens. Adrien was found to have been shot multiple times and officers immediately began providing first aid. He was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was eventually treated and released back to police officers. A search warrant was executed on the crashed vehicle at which time detectives located a firearm.
NCCPD Patrol Officers and Troopers with the Delaware State Police worked together to locate and secure the original crime scene which was determined to be the 1600 block of Bassett Avenue – New Castle. Officers learned that a nearby apartment and a parked motor vehicle were struck by gunfire. Officers also encountered several disorderly subjects near the crime scene. Officers learned there was a second victim who had been transported to Wilmington Manor Fire Company by a private vehicle. This victim was identified as a 22-year-old male and he was transported via ambulance to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. While officers were attempting to provide first aid and secure the area, they encountered a disorderly subject who was later identified as the second suspect. The suspect who was identified as Carlos Vasquez resisted but was ultimately taken into custody by patrol officers who were diligently working to address multiple crime scenes.
Due to a timely response from patrol officers, assistance from community members, and a thorough investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit, investigators were able to identify and charge both suspects who were responsible for the shooting.
20-year-old Adrien Owens of New Castle was charged with one felony count of assault in the first degree, one felony count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one felony count of carrying a concealed deadly weapon, five felony count of reckless endanger first degree, and one felony count of disregarding a police officer signal. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and bail was set at $115,000. Owens was later committed to Howard R Young Correctional Institution.
21-year-old Carlos Vasquez of New Castle was charged with one felony count of assault in the first degree, one felony count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one felony count of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, two felony counts of reckless endanger in the first degree, one felony count of resisting arrest with force, one felony count of act of intimidation to prevent, and one misdemeanor count of assault in the third degree. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and bail was set at $120,000. Vasquez was later committed to Howard R Young Correctional Institution.
The Division would like to thank the public and our local community members in New Castle for their patience and assistance with this incident. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Any individual who has information or surveillance/cell phone video related to this investigation is asked to please contact Detective Bruhn at (302) 395-8120 or Thomas.Bruhn@newcastlede.gov.
Tips can also be forwarded to:
- New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800
- Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110
- Online through Facebook (IM) “New Castle County Police”
- Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333
- Online at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com
Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Owens, Adrien
Vasquez, Carlos
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