NEW CASTLE COUNTY DIVISION OF POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING BURGLARY SUSPECTS

(Bear, DE 19701) Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police are currently searching for two suspects responsible for a burglary in the Sunset Meadows Community – Bear. On Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 12:30 a.m. officers were dispatched to a residence at the 200 block of Hazel Drive in reference to a burglary that just occurred. Two unknown suspects reportedly entered the home and removed miscellaneous property. A surveillance camera captured the suspects during the burglary.

If you can identify the suspects in the attached surveillance images or have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Daniel Watson at (302)395-8030 or Daniel.watson@newcastlede.gov or by calling the New Castle County Police non-emergency number at (302)573-2800. Citizens can also submit a tip via our website at http://www.nccpd.com. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook (IM) at New Castle County Police Department.

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FIVE JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING AT POLICE OFFICER DURING STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE INVESTIGATION – NEW CASTLE

(New Castle, DE 19720) Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police have arrested five juveniles from Wilmington in reference to them shooting at a police officer during a stolen motor vehicle investigation. On Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10:15 p.m. officers from the Special Operations Section were conducting proactive patrol along the route 9 corridor – New Castle. An officer operating an unmarked police vehicle spotted a stolen 2018 Honda Accord and began to follow the vehicle allowing time for additional officers to respond to the area. The officer continued to follow the motor vehicle into the community of Dunleith onto Hastie Drive. After the stolen vehicle turned onto Hastie Drive and without warning, occupants exited the car and fired multiple gunshots into the officer’s vehicle nearly striking him. Although the officer’s vehicle was struck multiple times, the officer was able to flee from the area. The officer requested assistance while providing additional suspect information.

Additional units arrived at the scene and pursued the vehicle into the city of Wilmington however, the suspects were able to get away. Soon after, officers with the Wilmington Police Department located the stolen vehicle and pursued the suspects however, they lost sight of the vehicle.

On Sunday March 19, 2023, officers located the stolen vehicle parked and unoccupied in the community of Cedar Tree Apartments – Wilmington. Detectives and assisting officers continued their investigation of the incident and were ultimately able to identify five suspects involved with the shooting. With the assistance of the New Castle County Division of Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), the United States Marshals Task Force, the New Castle County Division of Police Special Investigations Squad, and the Wilmington Police Department, all five suspects were taken into custody. The suspects were identified as:

A 17-year-old male from Wilmington

A 17-year-old male from Wilmington

A 16-year-old male from Wilmington

A 15-year-old male from Wilmington

A 14-year-old male from Wilmington

All five suspects were charged with attempted murder in the first degree, conspiracy in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited. They were arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and committed to the New Castle County Detention Center. Evidence developed in this investigation further led to the recovery of five stolen motor vehicles and two firearms.

Colonel Joseph Bloch, Chief of the New Castle County Division of Police said the following about juvenile offenders carrying firearms, “The number of young people who knowingly engage in violent crimes involving firearms is staggering. More and more, our officers are apprehending juveniles who choose to be involved in crimes where guns are being used to do harm to the citizens of our County. The members of the Division remain committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes and seeing to it that these offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent that the law allows.”

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Any individual with information related to this incident is asked to please contact Detective Sergeant Charles Levy via email at Charles.levy@newcastlede.gov or by telephone at (302)395-8110.

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WILMINGTON MAN CHARGED FOR RANDOM ASSAULT ON TEENAGER – SHARIF JENKINS (42)

(Wilmington, DE 19808) Officers from the New Castle County Division of Police have arrested 42-year-old Sharif Jenkins following a random assault on a teenage victim. On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:10 p.m. officers were dispatched to a business located at the 2000 block of Farrand Drive – Wilmington in reference to an assault.

Upon arrival, officers conducted multiple interviews with store employees and a 15-year-old male victim. Through interviews, officers learned that an adult male suspect was inside the store at which time he became disorderly. The suspect then began smashing glass jars that he removed from shelves inside the business. The suspect exited the store and later returned at which time he grabbed another glass object. The suspect then approached a teenage victim who was shopping and had his back turned. The suspect then violently sucker-punched the victim while holding the glass object in his hand.

The suspect then ran from the store towards the direction of Kirkwood Highway. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries that were sustained during the assault.

Through investigative measures and interviews, officers were able to identify the suspect as 42-year-old Sharif Jenkins of Wilmington. On Sunday March 26, 2023, Sharif Jenkins was taken into custody by officers without incident. Jenkins was charged with one felony count of assault in the second degree, one misdemeanor count of reckless endangering in the second degree, one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief, and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

Sharif Jenkins was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $5,100.00 secured bail.

Jenkins, Sharif (42)

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