(New Castle, DE 19720) Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police charged 42-year-old Randy Purnell of New Castle and 35-year-old Aaron Douglas of Laurel in reference to the kidnapping/vehicle theft that occurred on November 29, 2023. The suspects were taken into custody in Philadelphia later that day. Following the investigation, New Castle County Detectives authored arrest warrants for both suspects.

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Aaron Douglas, was extradited to Delaware and transported to New Castle County Police headquarters. He was arraigned on his charges which consisted of one felony count of kidnapping in the second degree, one felony count of conspiracy in the first degree, one felony count of theft of a motor vehicle, and one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on his own recognizance. Randy Purnell is currently still in custody in Pennsylvania.

Douglas, Aaron

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(New Castle, DE 19720) On Monday, January 8, 2024, at 3:15 p.m., patrol officers with the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the unit block of Cahalan Road for a shooting that just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located an 18-year-old female victim who had been shot in her leg. Officers quickly utilized a tourniquet and began to treat the victim. She was then transported to a local hospital where she was listed in stable condition. Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation.

Through interviews, it was determined that the suspect arrived at the home on Cahalan Road at 3:00 p.m. While on scene the suspect argued with a male acquaintance inside the home. During the argument, the suspect brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot a female who was also inside the home. The suspect then shot the female and fled from the residence.  

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Tom Cebastien Noel of New Castle. Officers with the Mobile Enforcement Team began checking known locations for the suspect and later located him near Castlebrook Apartments. Noel was taken into custody and transported to New Castle County Police headquarters. He was charged with one felony count of assault in the first degree and one felony count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and held in lieu of $120,000 cash bail.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Any individual who has information about this incident 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.

Noel, Tom

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(New Castle, DE 19720) Officers with the New Castle County Division of Police are currently conducting a shooting investigation near the unit block of Cahalan Road – Simonds Gardens. The public can expect to see several road closures and an increased police presence in the area for the next several hours.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit have responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage pertaining to this incident is asked to please contact the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Tips can be forwarded to:

• New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800

• Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110

• Facebook (IM) “New Castle County Police”

• Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 – Submit a tip online at http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com

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