Delaware State Police arrested a 13-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware, for multiple felony offenses following an attempted theft of a motor vehicle from Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary School’s parking lot on Tuesday afternoon.
On July 22, 2025, at approximately 4:57 p.m., troopers responded to Harry O. Eisenberg Elementary School, located at 27 Landers Lane, New Castle, for a report of a fight. In the ensuing investigation, troopers learned the 64-year-old victim returned to his Ford Transit van in the school’s parking lot, and found approximately 3-4 teenage suspects in the vehicle. The victim confronted the suspects, and ran after them as they fled from the vehicle. While fleeing, one of the suspects, later identified as the 13-year-old male, pointed an orange flare gun at the victim. The victim ultimately caught up to the 13-year-old, and stopped him from fleeing, during which the suspect punched the victim. Arriving troopers took the 13-year-old into custody without incident, and recovered the flare gun from him.
During the investigation, troopers discovered the Ford’s driver side door had been damaged by the suspects, and a screwdriver was shoved into the vehicle’s ignition. This type of damage is consistent with the nationwide trend of vehicles being stolen using a screwdriver. The suspect’s co-conspirators were not located, and have not been identified at this time.
The suspect was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and committed to New Castle County Detention Center on a $26,200 cash bond.
- Attempted to Commit Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
- Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
- Aggravated Menacing (Felony)
- Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
- Offensive Touching
- Criminal Mischief
The Delaware State Police continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Corporal W. Beinke at Troop 2 by calling (302) 834-2620. 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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