(Newark, DE 19702) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged three teenagers in reference to a robbery and stolen motor vehicle investigation. On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 3:34 p.m., patrol officers responded to Wellington Woods – Newark for a robbery that just occurred. It was reported that a 14-year-old victim was walking home from a bus stop at which time a silver Kia drove past him multiple times. The car eventually stopped and three suspects who were wearing ski masks exited. The suspects then ordered the victim to turn over his property. The suspects then attacked the victim however he ran away to escape further assault. Patrol officers immediately responded to the area and observed a silver Kia Soul. The Kia was occupied by three males wearing ski masks and the vehicle was determined to be stolen. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle when the suspects exited and began to run away. After multiple foot pursuits by officers, they located and detained all three suspects. The suspects were then transported to New Castle County Police headquarters.
The suspects were identified as a 14-year-old male from Newark, a 13-year-old male from Newark, and a 13-year-old male from Newark. The suspects were charged with one felony count of robbery in the first degree, one felony count of receiving stolen property, one felony count of conspiracy in the second degree, one misdemeanor count of assault in the third degree, and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. One of the 13-year-old suspects was also charged with one felony count of theft of a motor vehicle. All three suspects were arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and held in lieu of cash bail.
The stolen vehicle that was used in the robbery and assault was determined to be a stolen 2017 gray Kia Soul. Officers learned that the vehicle had been stolen earlier that day from the 1700 block of Blatty Place – Newark.
(Bear, Delaware 19701) On Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 4:57 p.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the intersection of Wrangle Hill Road and Porter Road for a motor vehicle crash involving a patrol vehicle. The officer who was driving a fully marked patrol vehicle was attempting to turn left onto Porter Road from Wrangle Hill Road when he was struck by a maroon Buick Envision that was traveling along Porter Road. The Buick then traveled off the roadway, across a yard, and into the side of a vacant rental property. The driver of the Buick was identified as a 74-year-old female. Initial investigation revealed that driver of the Buick proceeded through a red light and struck the patrol vehicle. All involved parties were treated for minor injuries. Detectives from the Division’s Traffic Services Unit responded to the scene to assume the investigation. This remains and active an ongoing investigation.
(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”
