Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

Update – Suspect Arrested State Police Investigating Shots Fired Incident at New Castle Convenience Store

Date Posted: Friday, February 6th, 2026

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

The Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware, in connection with a shots fired incident at a New Castle convenience store in January.

On January 13, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., troopers responded to a report of shots fired at the Wawa located at 4000 North Dupont Highway. The preliminary investigation revealed two men arrived at the location, parked their vehicle, and entered the store. Upon exiting, they encountered a group of three men, and a confrontation occurred for unknown reasons. The two men initially returned to their vehicle but later came back to the store in search of the three individuals. Both groups ultimately located one another in the parking lot, where multiple shots were fired. All parties fled the scene following the shooting. There were no reported injuries, and two vehicles were struck by gunfire.

Through an investigation, detectives identified the 15-year-old as one of the shooters.

On February 2, 2026, the teenager was apprehended in Newark and taken to Troop 2. He was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by the New Castle County Family Court, and committed to the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families on a $102,000 cash bond.

Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18 (Felony)
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
Reckless Endangering First Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited Adjudicated Delinquent (Felony)

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Detective M. Conway at (302) 365-8411. 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.