CHESWOLD — An 18-year-old Cheswold man remained sought after a shooting that left a teen injured last week, authorities said on Monday.
According to Cheswold Police Chief Christopher Workman, a 16-year-old male was wounded on Aug. 15 during an exchange of gunfire with Andrew Aitken. The teen was wounded in the stomach and remained hospitalized after undergoing surgery, Chief Workman said.
Police said the incident was reported at around 3:12 p.m. in the 100 block of Boggs Run in the Parkers Run neighborhood. The teen was located about two minutes later by arriving police and medical assistance was then rendered before transport to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus , Chief Workman said.
Investigation determined that the teen was riding a bicycle on the sidewalk when it was struck by a Nissan Pathfinder allegedly driven by Mr. Aitken. The teen was knocked from the bicycle and then took a gun from his pants and began shooting, police said.
The Nissan Pathfinder was struck by gunfire discharged from the teen, police said. Authorities alleged that Mr. Aitken fired a shotgun that wounded the teen.
The teen fired three rounds that struck two nearby homes, and no injuries were reported.
According to police, Mr. Aitken lived in the area and fled before officers arrived. Chief Workman said the vehicle was located as Mr. Aitken’s residence was being searched.
The scene was cleared at approximately 9:05 p.m.
Chief Workman said the teen and Mr. Aitken knew each other prior to the incident.
On its Facebook page, Cheswold police detailed reasons for the delayed release of information on the case:
“The delay in releasing this information was crucial due to the confirmation of facts of the incidents and investigators’ ability to collect further evidence and secure warrants for the individuals involved.
“During the incident, we attempted to notify residents in the area that there was no threat but we could not elaborate on the incident. At no time was there any further danger to the community or residents of Parkers Run following the initial incident.”
Mr. Aitken is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and first-degree reckless endangering. Cheswold police obtained the warrants with the assistance of Delaware State Police and Delaware Attorney General’s Office.
The teen is facing charges of possession of a firearm by prohibited juvenile, and receiving a stolen firearm at this point, Chief Workman said. The firearm was confiscated, police said.
Cheswold police asked anyone with information to call Lt. Susan Kline at 302-734-2202 or via an anonymous tip to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
Chief Workman said Cheswold’s last shooting incident came in May 2014 when a resident fired shots during a burglary incident in the Parkers Run neighborhood. No injuries were reported.
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