Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Arrest Newark Woman for Assaulting Troopers During Theft Investigation

Date Posted: Saturday, February 7th, 2026

Image of Shaniya Clark

The Delaware State Police arrested 21-year-old Shaniya Clark, of Newark, Delaware, after she assaulted two troopers during a theft investigation Friday evening in Bear.

On February 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., troopers responded to the Christiana Mall, located at 132 Christiana Mall in Newark, for a reported theft. Responding troopers learned a woman stole a victim’s cell phone from a kiosk inside the mall. The victim electronically tracked their phone to a shopping center in the 1100 block of Pulaski Highway, in Bear. Troopers obtained a description of the suspect and responded to the shopping center.

After searching the area, troopers located the suspect, later identified as Clark, inside one of the stores. When troopers attempted to take Clark into custody, she physically resisted arrest, causing notable injuries to two troopers and damaging Delaware State Police property. Clark was ultimately arrested and taken to Troop 2. The injured troopers were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released. Investigators found the cell phone and returned it to the victim.

Clark was charged with the below listed offenses, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $5,900 cash bond.

Assault Second Degree Injure a Law Enforcement Officer (Felony) – 2 counts
Resisting Arrest with Force or Violence or Struggles with a Peace Officer Causing Injury (Felony)
Theft Under $1,500
Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 – 2 counts