Minors arrested in string of damages vehicles and homes

LEWES, Del. – Two minors have been arrested in connection after a series of vehicles and residences were damaged by BBs in the Lewes and Milton areas.

Between Saturday, December 1 and Saturday, December 8, 2018, troopers say 19 separate incidents took place in the developments of Henlopen Landing, Edgewater Estates, Sussex West and Seawood Estates.

Police say the total damage is in excess of $10,000. The only lead police had to go off of, we’re told, was that a small, black vehicle with tinted windows was involved.

During the investigation, police discovered a BB gun had been stolen from the Walmart on Rehoboth Mall Blvd., an incident which had gone undetected and unreported. Police then positively identified one of the minors as the suspect responsible for the shoplifting.

Through further investigation Troopers were able to positively link two young men, both aged 17 years, to the criminal mischief incidents.

Police also found that the suspect vehicle involved in the incidents belonged to one of the teens. A subsequent search of the vehicle produced assorted BB’s along with a cylinder from a revolver style BB gun.

The teens were taken in to custody without incident at Troop 7 on Friday, December 14, where they were each charged with 19 counts of Criminal Mischief and 19 counts of Conspiracy 3rd Degree.

Both subjects were arraigned in Sussex County Family Court and then released to their respective guardians pending a future court appearance.

In addition to the incidents that occurred in state police jurisdiction, the minors were also positively linked to similar incidents that occurred in the development of Shipbuilders Village, which are being investigated by the Milton Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding these incidents are asked to call Troop 7 at 302-703-3290.

Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet here.