Smyrna Police arrest local juvenile for vehicle break-ins.

On Saturday, 4/6/24, at around 10 p.m., Smyrna PD patrol officers were dispatched to the area of the Sunnyside Village apartments for reports of a male subject pulling on door handles of vehicles. Officers spoke with residents and ascertained a detailed description of the suspect. For the next several hours, SPD patrol officers canvassed the area looking for the suspect. At approximately 1 a.m. on 4/7/24, a Smyrna PD officer still canvassing the area, located the suspect on South St in the area of US 13. The male suspect fled upon seeing the police but was eventually located by responding officers and taken into custody. This male suspect was identified as a 17-year-old from Townsend, DE. Once back at SPD HQ, the male suspect was interviewed and admitted to officers that he had been pulling on vehicle door handles in an effort to steal belongings and currency from within. The suspect was charged with the following crimes: Theft under $1500, Resisting arrest, 3 counts of tampering with a motor vehicle, 3 counts of Criminal trespass 3rd. The suspect was processed and released into the custody of his parent pending a hearing in Kent County Family Court. The Smyrna Police are thankful for the residents who provided statements and surveillance footage, which aided us in this investigation. Residents are encouraged to always contact the SPD about any suspicious persons or activity.