By Tim Mastro

DOVER — A 16-year-old male and 17-year-old male, both of Felton, were arrested by the Dover Police Department following a stolen vehicle investigation.

The investigation began early Friday when the victim, who resides in the unit block of Liberty Drive, reported her vehicle stolen, according to Dover Police Department spokesman Master Cpl. Ryan Schmid. At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Friday, the victim contacted Dover Police again and advised that her vehicle, a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, was in the area of Stevenson Drive. Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle on Fair Wind Place in Dover,

Cpl. Schmid said officers attempted to stop the vehicle, at which time it accelerated over a grassy area and fled. The vehicle continued to flee, striking a Dover fire hydrant and eventually caused an accident at the intersection of White Oak Road and Bay Tree Road when it allegedly failed to yield the right of way to a 2015 Honda Civic.

Police were able to take the 16-year-old-male driver and 17-year-old-male passenger into custody. As a result of the collision, both defendants and three other individuals were taken to Bayhealth Medical Center for treatment. Once the juveniles were released from the hospital, they were transported to Dover Police where they were processed and arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court No. 7.

The 16-year-old-male was released on his own recognizance to his guardian on the following charges: theft $1,500 or greater, disregarding a police officer signal, conspiracy second degree, theft under $1,500, criminal mischief under $1.000, driving without a valid license, fail to yield right of way when entering or crossing, failure to stop at a stop sign and careless driving.

The 17-year-old male was released on own his own recognizance to his guardian on the following charges: theft $1,500 or greater, conspiracy second degree and resisting arrest.