Police: The suspect vehicle then maneuvered to the other side of the Troopers vehicle appearing to prepare to strike the Troopers vehicle a second time. It was then that a second Trooper in the passenger seat, fired several rounds at the suspect vehicle.
WILMINGTON (DE): A police chase that ended in Delaware and resulted in the closure of I-95 in both directions in North Wilmington for more than five hours on Saturday has resulted in the arrest of several juveniles and a criminal investigation on the officers who fired their weapons.
Delaware State Police who is leading the investigation, have arrested two juveniles from Wilmington who led the Pennsylvania State Troopers on the pursuit in a stolen vehicle that ended between Marsh Road and Harvey Roads on I-95.
Delaware Newsline does not release names or images of juveniles or victims of violence however, Delaware State Police have confirmed they have arrested a 17 and 13-year-old from Wilmington who are facing numerous charges.
Police say the chase started in Pennsylvania on Saturday, December 12, 2020 in the early morning hours.
Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Trevose located a 2019 Ford Escape that had been reported stolen out of the New Castle County Police Department in a Carjacking incident on December 9, 2020.
The Pennsylvania State Troopers, attempted to stop the vehicle, however the vehicle fled and the pursuit was terminated.
Shortly thereafter, Troopers from Troop K Philadelphia, a two Trooper vehicle, witnessed this same vehicle travelling southbound on I-95 near the Philadelphia Airport and were aware of the previous pursuit and made an attempt to get the vehicle to stop.“The Pennsylvania State Troopers were occupying a fully marked patrol vehicle and made an attempt to get the vehicle to stop, but again the 2019 Ford Escape failed to stop and fled southbound on I-95 at a high rate of speed.”
A second two person vehicle from PSP then also joined in the pursuit. As the pursuit of the Ford Escape entered into Delaware on I-95 southbound at approximately 03:32 a.m., the Pennsylvania State Police marked units attempted to box the suspect vehicle in as they crossed the state line into Delaware.
According to Delaware State Police spokesman, Darren Lester, “Once in Delaware, the operator of the Ford Focus (17 year old) intentionally struck one of the Pennsylvania State Troopers marked vehicles left side with their vehicles right side. It was at this time, that the Trooper operating the marked unit fired one (1) round at the suspect vehicle.”
The suspect vehicle then maneuvered to the other side of the Troopers vehicle appearing to prepare to strike the Troopers vehicle a second time. It was then that a second Trooper in the passenger seat, fired several rounds at the suspect vehicle., Lester said.
The suspect vehicle then travelled into the center median and crashed into a berm.
The operator of the suspect vehicle fled on foot from the vehicle, however was taken into custody by a Trooper from the second vehicle.
Three other passengers were also then taken into custody by troopers at the vehicle.
One of these three passengers (13 year old) was found to be in possession of a loaded Rossi .38 Special Revolver, with one live round and two fired cartridge casings. However, it is not believed that this firearm was fired during this incident.
The 17 year old driver suffered an apparent graze wound to the left thigh and a contusion to his head. This defendant was transported to two local hospitals were he was treated and released.
Neither of the other three passengers in the stolen vehicle were injured.
No Pennsylvania State Troopers were injured during this incident. No Delaware State Troopers were involved in this pursuit or shooting incident.
Delaware State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and investigated the incident.
If any member of the public has information pertaining to this event, they are asked to contact DSP Homicide Detective Daniel Grassi at 302-365-8441.
The 17 year old driver of the stolen vehicle was charged with Reckless Endangering First Degree (2 counts) (F), Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony & Receiving Stolen Property over $1,500 (F). The 17 year old defendant was arraigned at J.P. Court 11 in the presence of his mother and was released on $4,000.00 unsecured bond.
The 13 year old passenger in the stolen vehicle was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (F) and Possession of a Firearm By a Person Prohibited (F) (due to his juvenile status). This 13 year old defendant was arraigned at J.P. Court 11 in the presence of his mother and was released on $2,000.00 unsecured bond.
A third 15 year old passenger in the vehicle was arraigned on two capiases and was committed to the New Castle County Detention Center in lieu of $1,000.00 secured bond.
The fourth 13 year old passenger in the stolen vehicle was not criminally charged.
