Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old New Castle, Delaware teen for a felony assault that occurred at the Christiana Mall in Newark on Saturday evening.
On February 24, 2024, at approximately 6:07 p.m., troopers responded to the Christiana Mall located at 750 Christiana Mall, Newark, for a report of several teenage males fighting. Upon arriving, troopers learned a 14-year-old teen and a 16-year-old teen were walking around the mall when they were surrounded by a group of unknown teenage males. An argument ensued between the teens, during which one of the suspects hit the 16-year-old victim and then pushed him to the ground as he tried to leave. The suspects proceeded to kick and punch the 16-year-old victim, which led to the 14-year-old teen running over to help his friend. The suspects pushed the 14-year-old teen to the ground next to the 16-year-old and continued kicking and punching both victims before fleeing on foot towards the parking lot as mall security approached. One of the suspects, identified as the 17-year-old New Castle teen, was taken into custody without incident.
The 14-year-old victim was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for serious injuries. The 17-year-old teen was turned over to a guardian while the extent of the 14-year-old’s injuries were being evaluated at the hospital. The 16-year-old teen sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining 3 suspects are described as teenagers and have not been identified at this time. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.
On February 25, 2024, the 17-year-old teen turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with the following crimes:
- Assault Second Degree (Felony)
- Assault Third Degree
- Disorderly Conduct – 2 Counts
The teen was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released to a guardian on a $3,700 unsecured bond.
Delaware State Police Troop 6 is still investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Trooper First Class B. Amadou by calling (302) 660-3779. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need 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 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.