DOVER, Del. - A 19-year-old male is recovering after being shot Thursday evening in Dover, as Delaware State Police investigate a shooting that ended with a car chase and four children arrested.
Troopers were called just after 6 p.m. on April 17 to the 1500 block of Nathaniel Mitchell Road for a reported shooting. Investigators say a 19-year-old man was shot and later drove himself to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives learned an unknown man stepped out of a maroon Kia Sportage and opened fire before getting back in the SUV and driving away. In addition to the victim being shot, an occupied house and a car parked on the property were also hit by bullets.
Around 9 p.m., troopers spotted a maroon Kia Sportage, reported stolen, that matched the suspect car. They attempted to stop it on Walker Road near Bicentennial Boulevard, but the SUV sped away. After a pursuit through area roads, the car eventually stopped on Sorrell Circle in Smyrna, where five people ran from the SUV.
Troopers, along with DSP Aviation, K-9 units, and supporting law enforcement, located and arrested four children. The fifth person, who remains unidentified, ran away and has not yet been caught.
Among those arrested:
A 17-year-old boy from Bethel, was charged with felony receiving stolen property and resisting arrest.
A 15-year-old girl from Camden, faced the same charges.
A 12-year-old girl from Dover was also charged with receiving stolen property over $1,500 and resisting arrest.
A 10-year-old boy was taken into custody but not charged. He was released to a parent.
All three children facing charges were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released to their parents or guardians on their own recognizance.
Delaware State Police Troop 3’s Criminal Investigations Unit continues working on the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective S. Raza at 302-698-8521 or leave an anonymous tip with Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.