Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Three Teens in Possession of Stolen Vehicle After Crash

Date Posted: Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

The Delaware State Police arrested a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 16-year-old from Wilmington, Delaware, after they crashed a stolen SUV and ran from troopers Sunday afternoon.

On December 14, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the Delaware State Police dispatch center shared updated information about a Ford Explorer, which was reported stolen by the New Castle County Police Department the day prior. A trooper was patrolling on Kirkwood Highway, near Poplar Avenue in Elsmere, when they saw the stolen Explorer traveling eastbound on Kirkwood Highway. The trooper followed the Explorer on several area streets while waiting for additional law enforcement support.

Troopers saw the Explorer run a red light as it traveled southbound on North Dupont Road, crossing North Maryland Avenue, then crash into a Dodge Ram pickup truck on South Dupont Road, in Wilmington. The 14-year-old driver and the 15-year-old passenger ran away, and after a brief foot chase, they were apprehended without further incident. The 16-year-old passenger stayed at the Explorer and was taken into custody without incident.

The driver of the Dodge, a 62-year-old man from Newark, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

None of the teenage boys reported any injuries on scene.

The 14-year-old was taken to Troop 6 and charged with the below offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families on a $3,700 secured bond.

Receiving Stolen Property Value Over $1,500 (Felony)
Resisting Arrest
Vehicular Assault 3rd Degree
Multiple Related Traffic Offenses

The 15-year-old was taken to Troop 6 and charged with the below offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.

Receiving Stolen Property Value Over $1,500 (Felony)
Resisting Arrest

The 16-year-old was taken to Troop 6 and charged with the below offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and released on a $1,000 unsecured bond.