The Delaware State Police is investigating numerous incidents where suspects either committed a carjacking or attempted to commit a series of carjackings on Friday, April 14th, 2023. The investigation revealed that two unidentified black male suspects were operating a black Jeep in the north Wilmington area. The suspects purposely rear-ended at least two vehicles with the intent to lure the victims from their cars and commit other crimes.
The first collision occurred at the Thompsons Bridge Road and Guyen Court Road intersection at approximately 6:43 a.m. During this incident, the suspect vehicle rear-ended the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene prior to police arrival. The victim was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries sustained during the collision.
A second collision occurred in the State of Pennsylvania at approximately 7:10 a.m. During this incident, the same suspect vehicle rear-ended the female victim. The victim drove a short distance into Delaware and pulled over to assess the damage. When she exited her vehicle, one of the suspects forced her into her car at gunpoint. That suspect then got into the victim’s vehicle and drove her back into the State of Pennsylvania. The second suspect followed the victim’s vehicle back into Pennsylvania, where the victim was ultimately sexually assaulted. The victim was able to escape from the suspects and call 911 with the assistance of a nearby resident.
The suspects fled the scene and responded back to Delaware, where they met two other suspects in the parking lot of a local convenience store. Officers located the black Jeep parked near a red Nissan Pathfinder at the convenience store. Officers attempted to make contact with the occupants of the black Jeep. The vehicle fled the scene, at which time a short pursuit ensued, and the suspect vehicle was able to get away.
At approximately 9:27 a.m., it was learned that the same red Nissan Pathfinder parked near the black Jeep at the convenience store had rear-ended a vehicle in the area of I-95 and Marsh Road. During this incident, the suspect pointed a gun at the victim and fled the scene prior to police arrival. That victim did not sustain injuries during the collision.
A short time later, troopers observed the red Pathfinder on I-95 southbound near Naaman’s Road. Another pursuit ensued when the Pathfinder crashed into a Mercedes on I-95 South at Concord Pike. Both suspects fled on foot and were apprehended a short time later. That victim did not sustain injuries during the collision.
This investigation is ongoing, and at least two additional suspects from the kidnapping and sexual assault remain at large. The present location of those suspects is unknown at this time. They were last seen operating a black Jeep. That Jeep is suspected as being stolen.
We encourage all commuters to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. If involved in a collision, please immediately move your vehicle to a safe, well-lit location as you call 911. If you are concerned for your safety after having been involved in a collision, please remain in your vehicle with your doors locked and your windows rolled up until a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene. If you are near a police station or Troop, activate your hazard lights and slowly drive to that location while notifying the 911 center.
We ask anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact Detective D. Armstrong of the Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit by calling 302-365-8440. 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.
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Presented by Public Information Officer, Sergeant India Sturgis
Released: 041423 1729
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