NEW CASTLE, DE — Delaware State Police arrested two teenagers from New Jersey on Sunday night following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. The incident unfolded around 4:50 p.m. on December 29, 2024, when troopers observed the teens driving a 2012 Kia Optima reported stolen earlier that day.
The teenagers, a 14-year-old from Penns Grove and a 16-year-old from Deepwater, were spotted in the Kia on State Route 1 southbound near Christiana Road. Upon confirming the vehicle’s stolen status through a license plate inquiry, troopers attempted a traffic stop. Reports indicate the driver disregarded police signals, fled at high speed, and drove across a residential lawn on Lanford Road, narrowly missing a pedestrian before striking a mailbox.
The pursuit continued as the Kia reportedly broke multiple traffic laws before colliding with another vehicle, a Nissan Maxima, at the intersection of North Dupont Highway and School Lane. The impact led to the teens’ apprehension. The 14-year-old driver fled on foot but was captured after a brief chase, while the 16-year-old passenger was taken into custody at the scene. The Nissan’s driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
During the investigation, troopers searched the Kia and reportedly found screwdrivers and gloves. The vehicle exhibited damage to the steering column and ignition, which authorities noted matched a method linked to a trend of Kia thefts nationwide involving the use of screwdrivers.
The 14-year-old driver faces multiple charges, including felony counts of Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, and Disregarding a Police Officer Signal. Additional charges include Reckless Endangering, Criminal Mischief, Vehicular Assault, and numerous traffic violations. Following his arraignment, he was remanded to the New Castle County Detention Center on $21,500 secured bond.
The 16-year-old passenger is also charged with felony allegations such as Receiving Stolen Property, Possession of Burglar Tools, and Conspiracy. He was arraigned and released to a guardian on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Authorities stress that these charges are allegations at this stage of the investigation. Further developments may lead to additional details.
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