(New Castle, DE 19720) Patrol Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have apprehended four teenagers early this morning during a theft investigation. On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, just after midnight, officers were dispatched to the community of Eden Park Gardens – New Castle in reference to a group of juveniles trying car door handles. It was further reported that the group left an unoccupied Kia Sorento with a broken window parked in the middle of the roadway on Albany Avenue. Officers immediately responded to the community and began checking the area. When the suspects saw the officers arriving, they began to run. Multiple foot pursuits ensued throughout the community at which time officers were able to take four suspects into custody without incident. The suspects were found to be in possession of various tools, gloves, and headlamps. Officers checked the area and found that the Kia Sorento had been stolen from a community in the city of Wilmington. Officers also located a second Kia that had a damaged window in the community. All four suspects were transported to NCCPD headquarters and were charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, conspiracy in the second degree, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief. The suspects were identified as:

• 14-year-old male from Wilmington
• 14-year-old male from Wilmington
• 14-year-old male from Wilmington
• 16-year-old male from Wilmington

Officers believe that the group may have conducted additional thefts and attempted thefts. If you have information, surveillance footage, or have found damage/tampering to your motor vehicle, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police.

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

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🎃 Reminder – Trunk or Treat with the New Castle County Division of Police 🎃
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Route 9 Library & Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, DE 19720

Know Before You Go – Helpful Tips!

Parking & arrival

• Arrive a little early for easier parking—event begins at 6:00 PM.
• Use the designated parking lot across from the library and be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
• Follow signage and directions from traffic post officers.
• When leaving, drive slowly and scan for children walking between vehicles.

Dress comfortably & safely

• Choose costumes with good visibility and avoid long trailing pieces that could trip.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks.
• Wear weather‐appropriate layers; evenings can be chilly this time of year.
• Don’t forget a bag or bucket for candy.

Safety reminders

• Stay within the event area and avoid wandering off.
• If you see something concerning, contact a nearby police officer, volunteer or event staff.
• Parents/guardians: stay with younger children throughout the event.
• Make a meeting spot in case your group gets separated.

It’s just a bunch of Hocus Pocus! Come conjure up some sweet treats and spooky fun with us! We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, contact the Community Services Unit at (302) 395-8050.

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(Bear, DE 19701) Detectives from the NCCPD Active Crime Trend Team have arrested 29-year-old James Munford of Bear following an investigation. On Friday, October 24, 2025, just after 11:00 p.m. ACTT detectives were conducting proactive patrol near the community of Smalleys Dam. While in the area detectives observed a black Kia Cadenza committing multiple traffic violations. Detectives conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver who was identified as James Munford. During the stop, James placed the vehicle in drive and sped off nearly striking two officers that were standing next to his vehicle. Both officers were able to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle. He continued to flee at a high rate of speed and began driving directly towards a third officer’s vehicle who was responding to the scene to assist. The officer was able to maneuver his vehicle out of the way to avoid a collision. A brief pursuit ensued at which time the vehicle came to an abrupt stop near the unit block of Victoria Boulevard. Munford then ran from the vehicle and was later taken into custody following a foot pursuit and taser deployment. He was transported to NCCPD headquarters and charged with:

• 3 felony counts of reckless endanger in the first degree
• 1 felony count of resisting arrest with force
• 1 felony count of disregarding a police officer signal
• 1 misdemeanor count of resisting arrest
• 1 count of reckless driving and additional traffic charges

He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and held in lieu of $25,900 cash bail.

MUNFORD, JAMES (29)

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