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Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley


Teenager Arrested for Theft of Motor Vehicle


Date Posted: Monday, September 4th, 2023

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Delaware State Police arrested a 14-year-old male of Wilmington, DE, for stealing a Kia last month.

On August 09, 2023, at approximately 1:47 p.m., troopers were called to the 18000 block of Ash Road, Lewes, DE, for a theft of a motor vehicle. When troopers arrived, they learned that a silver 2012 Kia Rio was stolen from the driveway of a 75-year-old victim of Shoemakersville, PA. The vehicle was recovered that same day, abandoned on the 100 block of Truitt Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Investigators discovered that someone had damaged the ignition on the steering column to steal the car. Video surveillance captured the suspect with the stolen vehicle. After images from the video surveillance were posted to social media, several anonymous tips helped us positively identify the 14-year-old suspect.

An arrest warrant was issued for the suspect. On August 31, 2023, he turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with the following crimes:

  • Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief Under $1000
  • Criminal Trespass 3rd

The juvenile was processed and released to a parent.

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