Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Arrest Student for Kidnapping and Assault; Seek Additional Victims

Date Posted: Thursday, September 5th, 2024

The Delaware State Police arrested 18-year-old Jimar Payne of Newark, Delaware, on multiple charges, including kidnapping and assault, following an investigation that began in May at Christiana High School. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying additional potential victims associated with this ongoing investigation.

On May 23, 2024, the Delaware State Police School Resource Officer assigned to Christiana High School, located at 190 Salem Church Road, Newark, was notified of a kidnapping and assault involving two students that occurred on the afternoon of May 22, 2024. The investigation revealed that Jimar Payne, a student at the school, allegedly approached a 15-year-old female victim in a stairwell, threw her to the ground, and forcibly restrained her. During the assault, Payne engaged in conduct that was both sexual and offensive in nature. The victim ultimately broke free from Payne and fled from the stairwell.

Detectives believe there may potentially be additional victims. After several months of investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Payne’s arrest. On August 30, 2024, Payne turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and released on a $15,500 unsecured bond.

Kidnapping 2^nd Degree (Felony)
Unlawful Sexual Contact 2^nd Degree (Felony)
Offensive Touching

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Youth Aid Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information or who may be a victim to please contact Sergeant A. Zickgraf by calling 302-365-8403. 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.