Lewes – The Delaware State Police have arrested Steven Huey, 17, of Bridgeville and Collin Ritchie, 17, of Lewes in connection with a rash criminal mischief incidents in which vehicles and residences throughout the Lewes/Milton area were damaged by BB’s.

Between Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8, 2018 Troopers investigated 19 separate criminal mischief incidents that took place in the developments of Henlopen Landing, Edgewater Estates, Sussex West and Seawood Estates. The property damaged included both vehicles and residences, with a preliminary damage total in excess of $10,000.00. The only investigative lead obtained from the initial investigations was that a small, black vehicle with tinted windows was involved.

During the course of the investigation Troopers were able to determine that a shoplifting incident, occurred on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Walmart located at 18922 Rehoboth Mall Blvd., in which a BB gun had been stolen. This incident had gone undetected at the time of the original occurrence therefore it had not reported. Evidence obtained during the subsequent investigation was able to positively identified Huey as the suspect responsible for the shoplifting.

Through further investigation Troopers were able to positively link Huey to the criminal mischief incidents, as well as developing Ritchie as a second suspect. It was also determined that the suspect vehicle involved in the incidents belonged to Ritchie. A subsequent search of Ritchie’s vehicle produced assorted BB’s along with a cylinder from a revolver style BB gun.

On Friday, December 14, 2018 both Huey and Ritchie were taken in to custody without incident at Troop 7 where they were each charged with 19 counts of Criminal Mischief and 19 counts of Conspiracy 3^rd Degree.

Both subjects were arraigned in Sussex County Family Court and then released to their respective guardians pending a future court appearance.

In addition to the incidents that occurred in state police jurisdiction Huey and Ritchie were also positively linked to similar incidents that occurred in the development of Shipbuilders Village, which are being investigated by the Milton Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to call Troop 7 at 302-703-3290.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:121618 1100

-End-

Print This Page