Two 16-year-olds have been charged in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred in Newark, Delaware. According to the Newark Police Department, officers responded to a call reporting a robbery on February 16 at approximately 17:00 in the 900 block of Wharton Drive.
The incident began when the victim, who had invited an acquaintance and that person’s friend into his apartment earlier that day, asked them to leave. The victim reported that one of the suspects then produced a handgun and assaulted him, inflicting minor injuries. Although the victim declined medical treatment following the altercation, the suspects allegedly stole personal property, including vehicle keys, before fleeing the scene in the victim’s vehicle.
Suspects Identified and Arrested
Following the incident, detectives worked quickly to identify the suspects as a 16-year-old male and a 16-year-old female. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued. On February 18, police located the female suspect inside the stolen vehicle and took her into custody. She was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and remanded to the New Castle County Juvenile Detention Center on a cash bail of $42,100.
The male suspect was apprehended on February 20 after arriving at the Newark Police Headquarters to speak with detectives. He was arraigned in New Castle County Family Court and released on an unsecured bail of $20,000.
Charges Filed Against Both Juveniles
Both juveniles face multiple charges, including first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree conspiracy, and criminal mischief under $1,500. As is standard in legal proceedings, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding youth crime and the use of firearms among adolescents. As the investigation continues, authorities encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
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