Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Two Teens for Armed Carjacking in Smyrna

Date Posted: Saturday, July 5th, 2025

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

The Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old male from Georgetown, Delaware, and a 14-year-old male from Dover, Delaware, for robbery and theft-related offenses stemming from an armed carjacking that occurred Thursday morning in Smyrna.

On July 3, 2025, at approximately 6:00 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed carjacking that occurred on Berry Drive in Smyrna. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim gave a ride to 2 unknown black males to the area of Holly Hill Estates in his Mazda CX-5. As they arrived on Berry Drive, one of the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim, and the other suspect held him against his seat as they demanded the Mazda’s keys. After complying, the victim exited his vehicle, and the suspects fled in the stolen Mazda. Shortly after the carjacking, Dover Police Department Officers observed the stolen Mazda as it traveled through Dover, and initiated a traffic stop. The 2 suspects, identified as a 17-year-old male and 14-year-old male, were ultimately taken into custody following a vehicle and foot pursuit in which a firearm, and ammunition were recovered.

Dover Police Department News Release – Teens Arrested Following Vehicle Pursuit

While investigating the carjacking, troopers responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft that occurred overnight at a residence on Cedar Court in Smyrna. During the investigation, troopers learned 2 unknown suspects broke into the victim’s Hyundai during the overnight hours, and attempted to steal the vehicle. Troopers observed the Hyundai’s rear passenger window had been shattered and the ignition had been ripped out. This type of damage is consistent with the nationwide trend of Hyundais being stolen using a screwdriver and a USB cable. Through investigative means, troopers identified the suspects responsible for the attempted vehicle theft as the 17-year-old male, and the 14-year-old who were in custody for the carjacking.

Following the pursuit, the suspects were taken to Troop 3, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

The 17-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Kent County Family Court, and committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on a $5,000 cash bond.

Robbery 1^st Degree (Felony)
Conspiracy 1^st Degree (Felony)
Possess Firearm by Person Under 21 (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Possess Ammunition for a Firearm by Person Under 21 (Felony)
Attempted to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
Criminal Mischief $1,000 but less than $5,000
Theft Under $1,500

The 14-year-old male was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Kent County Family Court, and committed to VisionQuest on a $3,000 secured bond.