(New Castle, DE 19720) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged three suspects following a burglary in progress. On Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 9:23 p.m., patrol officers from C-Squad were dispatched to the 600 block of Highpointe Drive – New Castle in reference to a burglary. A 27-year-old male victim called 911 and reported hearing a loud crash inside his home. The victim stated he then heard suspects walking up the steps inside his residence. Patrol Officers and multiple K9 teams immediately responded to the Highpoint at St Georges community and observed a blue SUV fleeing. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle however, the driver rapidly accelerated and nearly struck a fully marked New Castle County Police vehicle.

Officers chased after the vehicle and a brief pursuit ensued into Delaware City. The vehicle was ultimately stopped near the area of Cleaver Road. At that time multiple officers along with K9 Nova approached the suspects and took them into custody without further incident. Simultaneously, K9 Rook and assisting officers were able to locate items that were discarded from the suspect vehicle during the pursuit.

The suspects were identified as

33-year-old Jimmy Rodriguez-Torres

44-year-old Julian Sanchez

49-year-old John Ortiz-Rodriguez

All three suspects were transported to New Castle County Police headquarters. Detectives from the Property Squad were contacted and assumed the investigation.

Through investigation, it was determined that the suspects were part of a South American Theft Group. Investigators were able to link the suspects to two additional burglaries that occurred in New Castle County:

• A residence that was burglarized in the Hockessin Chase community on 10/5/2023.

• A residence that was burglarized in the Colony at Summit Bridge community on 10/4/2023.

In all three burglaries, the homeowners were of Asian descent. South American Theft Groups will use similar methods of targeting expensive homes and homes owned by Asian Americans. This is still an active and ongoing investigation.

Jimmy Rodriguez-Torres was charged with one felony count of burglary in the first degree, two felony counts of burglary in the second degree, three felony counts of conspiracy in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of theft, one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief, one felony count of disregarding a police officer signal, one misdemeanor count of reckless driving, and multiple traffic violations.

John Ortiz was charged with one felony count of burglary in the first degree, two felony counts of burglary in the second degree, three felony counts of conspiracy in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of theft, and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief.

Julian Sanchez was charged with one felony count of burglary in the first degree, two felony counts of burglary in the second degree, three felony counts of conspiracy in the second degree, two misdemeanor counts of theft, and one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief. Their arraignments are pending at this time.

The Division is sharing images of the suspects and the vehicle they utilized to commit the burglaries. If any individual has information or surveillance video of the suspect vehicle in their neighborhood, 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

Tips can be submitted anonymously.

Suspect vehicle with fraudulent North Carolina license plate

Ortiz-Rodriguez, John

Rodriguez-Torres, Jimmy

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) along with Colonel Joseph Bloch attended the NAMI Delaware Inspiring Hope Conference at the University of Delaware. During the conference, the New Castle County Division of Police was recognized with NAMI Delaware’s Organization of the Year Award! Each year NAMI Delaware selects an organization that demonstrates a commitment to serving those affected by mental illness and supports the mission of NAMI.  

The Behavioral Health Unit is an innovative multi-disciplinary approach that assists community members who are dealing with mental health concerns or substance use disorders. For more information on what the Behavioral Health Unit has to offer, please visit HeroHelpBHU.com 

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(Wilmington, DE 19805) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged four juveniles following an investigation into a reported carjacking. On Wednesday October 4, 2023, at 2:59 p.m., Patrol Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Coyne Place in reference to a carjacking that just occurred. Officers arrived at the scene and contacted the 52-year-old female victim. The victim reported she was trying to enter her car at which time she was approached by two black males wearing all black. The victim reported one of the suspects then pointed a gun at her and demanded her vehicle. The suspects then fled from the area in the victim’s motor vehicle.

Preliminary suspect information was then developed with the assistance of the Delaware State Police. Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police and the Delaware State Police later located the suspects near the unit block of Scarborough Drive. In total, four suspects were taken into custody without incident. One firearm was recovered from the suspects. Officers also located and recovered the victim’s motor vehicle.

All four suspects were transported to New Castle County Police headquarters and charged accordingly. Charges include robbery in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and conspiracy in the first degree. The suspects were identified as:

• 16-year-old male from Penns Grove, New Jersey

• 16-year-old male from Claymont

• 17-year-old from Wilmington

• 16-year-old male from Wilmington

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to please contact Detective Joshuah Smith at (302) 395-8126 or by email at Joshuah.Smith@newcastlede.gov or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.

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