Troopers Apprehend Three Teenagers Involved in Multiple Felony Thefts and Stolen Vehicle Pursuit

Date Posted: Thursday, November 23rd, 2023

The Delaware State Police have apprehended three teenagers from Claymont, Delaware, on numerous felony charges following a series of shoplifting incidents and a thrilling pursuit in a stolen vehicle. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Rehoboth Beach.

On November 22, 2023, at approximately 3:19 p.m., troopers responded to a shoplifting report at Under Armour located at 36698 Bayside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach. The suspects, identified as a 16-year-old male and two 15-year-old males, were reported to have fled the scene in a tan Chevrolet Cruze with Pennsylvania registration. A vigilant trooper spotted the Chevrolet traveling northbound on Coastal Highway near Melson Road. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, but the Chevrolet ignored the signal, ran a red light, and continued to flee northbound. After a brief chase, the Chevrolet came to a halt when it drove over a median and collided with another vehicle while attempting to make a right turn onto Dartmouth Drive at a high speed. The driver and the two passengers then abandoned the stolen vehicle and attempted to escape on foot, disregarding all commands from the troopers. However, law enforcement officers swiftly apprehended the driver, a 16-year-old male, and the two passengers, both 15-year-old males, without further incident.

During the subsequent investigation, troopers uncovered that the three juveniles had stolen merchandise worth over $5,000 from various stores, including Under Armour, Nike, and The North Face, located in the Tanger Bayside Outlets. An inquiry into the Chevrolet’s license plate revealed that it was fictitious, and the vehicle had been reported stolen from Troop 1 on October 14, 2023.

All three suspects were taken to Troop 7, where they were charged with several crimes. The 16-year-old male, in particular, is facing charges of shoplifting over $1500 (a felony), theft – organized retail crime over $1500 (a felony), receiving stolen property over $1500 (a felony), disregarding a police officer signal (a felony), conspiracy in the second degree (a felony), shoplifting under $1500 (two counts), resisting arrest, and various traffic violations. The 16-year-old suspect was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and subsequently remanded to the Stevenson House Detention Center after failing to pay a $2,880 secured bond.

Similarly, the two 15-year-old males were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Stevenson House Detention Center after being charged with shoplifting over $1500 (a felony), theft – organized retail crime over $1500 (a felony), receiving stolen property over $1500 (a felony), conspiracy in the second degree (a felony), shoplifting under $1500 (two counts), and resisting arrest. The 15-year-old suspects were each issued a $2,300 secured bond.

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