Dover teens, one shot, charged with felony burglary
By DOVER — A series of felony arrests involving teenagers in the city continued Wednesday when two Dover males, ages 18 and 15, were charged with first-degree burglary, including one who was shot, authorities said.
Delaware State Police said a homeowner in the 3000 block of Forrest Avenue had initially seen two people breaking into his residence, one who was armed.
The man then discharged rounds from a legally owned gun at a person before both fled, Delaware State Police spokesman Senior Cpl. Leonard DeMalto said.
Troopers were called to the scene at approximately 1:23 p.m., spoke with the homeowner and then went to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, police said.
Police said they contacted the younger male, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
Police said Aubree Cruz and the juvenile were determined to have allegedly burglarized the Forrest Avenue residence.
The juvenile was released from the hospital after being treated for his injuries, Cpl. DeMalto said.
Mr. Cruz was taken into custody without incident in the Dover area shortly afterward, police said.
Both Mr. Cruz and the juvenile were charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree conspiracy.
The juvenile was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on $21,000 unsecured bond. Mr. Cruz was arraigned by JP Court 2 and held in custody at Sussex Correctional Institution on $11,000 secured bond.
At this time, there are no pending charges for the homeowner, Cpl. DeMalto said.
Other recent cases involving teens arrested on alleged offenses included:
• Tuesday, two 19-year-old males and an 18-year-old male were involved in an incident that yielded three loaded handguns.
• Monday, a 17-year-old male was seen with a handgun in the area of Parkway Academy Central.
• April 30, an 18-year-old male was found with a loaded handgun during a traffic stop in the area of Lincoln Street and Forrest Avenue.
• April 27, a 17-year-old male was charged with a shooting on North Halsey Road.
• April 26, 18- and 19-year-old males were found with three handguns during an incident in the 800 block of E. Loockerman Street.
Overall, violence in the city has been widespread — as of May 12, there had been at least 10 shootings in the past 27 days, leaving five persons injured. Among the wounded were 12- and 17-year-old males shot in an incident on May 10.
