Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Newark Teen for Smoke Shop Burglaries

Date Posted: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

new release

Delaware State Police have arrested a 17-year-old male from Newark, Delaware, for burglary and related offenses following two burglaries at The Smoke Shop in Newark.

On September 23, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., troopers responded to The Smoke Shop, located at 13 Salem Village Square in Newark, for a report of a burglary. Investigating troopers discovered that an unknown male suspect, wearing a facemask, forced entry into the business and stole a significant number of electronic cigarettes and related products valued at approximately $2,000.

On September 24, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., troopers again responded to The Smoke Shop for a burglary, similar in nature to the one that occurred the day before. Investigating troopers learned that an unknown suspect forced entry into the business and again stole a significant number of electronic cigarettes and related products valued at approximately $2,000.

Through investigative means, detectives identified the 17-year-old as the suspect in both burglaries and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On September 30, 2025, the 17-year-old was arrested and taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.