Delaware Man Arrested After Alleged Vehicle Theft Leads to Pursuit

Najee McNeilNajee McNeil /Submitted IMage

BEAR, DE — In an episode that disrupted the calm of a Monday morning, Delaware State Police apprehended 25-year-old Najee McNeil of New Castle, following what authorities describe as a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. The incident, which unfolded in Bear on March 18, 2024, has led to multiple allegations against McNeil, including the theft of a vehicle and fleeing from law enforcement.

The sequence of events began around 11:34 a.m. when a state trooper, responding to reports of a silver Ford F-150 reported stolen, spotted the vehicle in question. Authorities allege that upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver, later identified as McNeil, accelerated away, initiating a chase. The pursuit reportedly took a perilous turn as the Ford navigated through traffic at speeds labeled as reckless by law enforcement, eventually veering into a residential area.

According to police reports, McNeil is alleged to have abandoned the vehicle on Linn Court and attempted to elude capture on foot. A coordinated search by Delaware State Police and New Castle County Police Officers led to his location and arrest without further incident in front of a residence on Rawlings Drive.

Upon his arrest, a search allegedly revealed the key to the stolen Ford, approximately 1.8 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia in McNeil’s possession. Further inquiry purportedly confirmed that McNeil does not hold a valid driver’s license.

McNeil faces a series of charges, as outlined by the Delaware State Police:

  • Receiving Stolen Property (Felony)
  • Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
  • Possession of Marijuana Other Than Personal Use Quantity
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Driving Without a Valid License
  • Additional Traffic Violations
READ:  Suspect Caught After Alleged Wilmington Burglary Spree Leads to Foot Chase

Following his arraignment by Justice of the Peace Court 2, McNeil was released on a $9,500 unsecured bond. It is important to note that the allegations against McNeil are part of an ongoing legal process. Like all individuals accused of a crime, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.