NEW CASTLE, DE — Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police are investigating a shooting that reportedly took place in the 100 block of Highland Boulevard. On the evening of December 18, 2023, patrol officers were dispatched to the scene where they found a 19-year-old male victim who had been shot multiple times in his lower body. Additionally, gunfire had reportedly struck multiple occupied residences and parked vehicles.
Following an extensive investigation, a 14-year-old male from New Castle was identified as a suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and the suspect was taken into custody on December 28, 2023, ending what authorities described as a multi-state crime spree. The arrest was a joint effort by the Delaware State Police, Wilmington Police Department, and the New Castle County Division of Police.
The young suspect faces multiple charges, including one felony count of assault in the first degree, one felony count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one felony count of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and six felony counts of reckless endangering in the first degree.
Assault in the first degree typically involves intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person. Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited are self-explanatory, while reckless endangering in the first degree usually involves recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death to another person.
The suspect was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and held in lieu of $176,000 cash bail.
This remains an active investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information or cell phone/surveillance video related to this incident to get in touch with the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigation Unit at 302) 573-2800 or (302) 395-8110. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333
In covering this story, it’s important to remember that all criminal charges are merely allegations. All defendants, including the young suspect in this case, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This presumption underscores our justice system’s commitment to fairness and due process for every individual facing charges.
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