The Delaware State Police arrested 32-year-old Jonathan Bennett, and 20-year-old Hailey Warren, both from Baltimore, Maryland, for numerous felony charges following pursuits involving 2 stolen vehicles on Friday morning. A third suspect, 20-year-old Kyle Norman from Baltimore, Maryland, remains hospitalized as a result of injuries he sustained in a vehicle crash at the end of the pursuit. He will be formally charged once he is released from the hospital.
On June 20, 2025, at approximately 5:00 a.m., a trooper on patrol observed a blue Hyundai Sonata following a blue Hyundai Santa Fe at a close distance as they traveled southbound on Bay Road near President Drive in Dover. Both vehicles had Maryland registration and continued southbound on Route 1. A computer check revealed the Santa Fe had been reported stolen on June 18, and the Sonata had been reported stolen earlier that morning. Both thefts were reported to the Baltimore County Police Department.
After additional troopers responded, a traffic stop was initiated. Both vehicles fled at high speeds, resulting in two separate pursuits: one involving the Santa Fe and the other the Sonata.
Pursuit Involving the Santa Fe
The Santa Fe was driven recklessly through Kent and Sussex Counties at a high rate of speed. At one point during the pursuit, the driver abruptly slammed on the brakes, causing the pursuing trooper to crash into the rear of the vehicle.
The pursuit ended when the Santa Fe lost control and crashed into a wooded area near South Old State Road and Dupont Boulevard in Georgetown. The driver, identified as Kyle Norman, was seriously injured and flown to a hospital. Three passengers, identified as Hailey Warren, a 13-year-old boy, and a 13-year-old girl, were also taken to an area hospital for minor injuries. The trooper sustained a serious injury as a result of the crash, and was taken to an area hospital.
During a search of the vehicle, troopers found a screwdriver under the driver’s seat, which is consistent with tools commonly used in vehicle thefts.
Pursuit Involving the Sonata
Simultaneously, troopers were involved in a separate pursuit with the Sonata, which was also driving recklessly through Kent and Sussex Counties. Stop sticks were successfully deployed on Route 1 north of Cave Neck Road in Milton. Shortly afterward, troopers lost sight of the vehicle.
A short time later, troopers responded to Oyster Rocks Road for a report of three suspicious individuals on bicycles knocking on doors and claiming their vehicle was disabled. Troopers located the three individuals, identified as Jonathan Bennett, a 13-year-old girl, and a 10-year-old boy. They were taken into custody without incident. A screwdriver was found on Bennett during a search.
Troopers later located the stolen Sonata abandoned in the parking lot of Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park in Lewes. The ignition column was damaged in a manner consistent with recent vehicle theft trends involving the use of screwdrivers. Through investigative efforts, including a review of video surveillance, troopers identified the 10-year-old boy as the driver of the Sonata during the pursuit. Jonathan Bennett was determined to be the front passenger, and the 13-year-old girl was seated in the back. The 10-year-old could not be criminally charged under Delaware law due to the nature of the offenses and his age.
Bennett, the 13-year-old, and the 10-year-old were all taken to Troop 7, where Bennett was charged with multiple crimes, and the children were turned over to their respective guardians.
Bennett was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $11,000 secured bond.
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree – 2 counts
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
Warren was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $4,000 secured bond.
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $1,500 (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Norman remains hospitalized. Once he is released, he will be charged with the following offenses:
- Assault 1st Degree Cause Serious Injury to L/E Officer (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Reckless Endangering 1st Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $1500 (Felony)
- Disregarding a Police Officer Signal (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Criminal Mischief Over $1000
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child – 2 counts
- Aggressive Driving
- Several Additional Traffic Violations
Troopers continue to investigate this incident, including where the suspects obtained the bicycles, and whether they were also stolen. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident, or has information regarding this case to contact Troop 7 by calling 302-644-5020. 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.
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