(Wilmington, DE 19805) On Friday, April 17, 2026, at approximately 3:18 a.m., officers with the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the 400 block of South Scott Street for a report of a recently stolen Kia Optima.

While actively searching the area, an officer located the stolen Kia Optima and activated emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the stolen vehicle refused to pull over and sped away as officers continued to follow. Shortly after, the stolen vehicle struck a tree in the Canby Park community. The driver then fled on foot; however, officers immediately pursued the suspect and took him into custody.

The suspect was identified as a 14-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware.

The 14-year-old was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of possession of burglary tools

• One felony count of theft of a motor vehicle

• One felony count of conspiracy in the second degree

• Two misdemeanor counts of theft under $1,500

• One misdemeanor count of criminal mischief

• One misdemeanor count of resisting arrest

• One violation of loitering

The 14-year-old was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and released on $13,000 unsecured bail.

A second juvenile who was with him was later released without charges.