Traffic Alert – University of Delaware Graduation 5/24/25
The University of Delaware graduation ceremonies on Saturday, 5/24, will significantly increase traffic around the City of Newark, especially in the area of the UD field house and football stadium.
This event starts at 6:00 a.m. and lasts into the early afternoon. Delays may impact Interstate 95.
Avoid the area unless travel is necessary.
Two Juveniles Arrested for Criminal Mischief and Trespassing
On May 17, 2025, at approximately 2154 hours, Newark officers responded to the 500 block of Briar Lane for a report of Criminal Mischief where suspects broke the resident’s yard items. Officers obtained suspect description information that the suspects were juvenile males wearing masks.
While investigating this incident, officers received another report of criminal mischief involving a broken window on the 900 block of Barksdale Road. Officers expanded their search and located two juvenile males, ages 14 and 15, in the vicinity who matched the suspect descriptions. Both juveniles were detained without incident.
Subsequent investigation linked the two suspects to these criminal mischief incidents and another incident in which they damaged a third residence in the 400 block of Briar Lane. At the time of arrest, one of the juveniles was found to be in possession of a large fixed-blade knife.
Each defendant was charged with the following offenses:
- Trespassing 3rd Degree -3 counts
- Criminal Mischief under $1000.00
- Criminal Mischief under $5000.00
- Conspiracy 3rd Degree
The 15-year-old defendant was also charged with:
- Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon
Following arraignment at JP Court #11, the defendants received the following bail conditions:
- Defendant 1 (15-year-old male, Elkton, MD): Issued a No Contact Order with the State of Delaware and the co-defendant. Released to a parent on $2,250 Unsecured Bail.
- Defendant 2 (14-year-old male, Elkton, MD): Issued a No Contact Order with the State of Delaware and the co-defendant. Released to a parent on Own Recognizance.
Similar incidents have occurred in the same area since late 2024. The Newark Police Department is still investigating those incidents and is asking for public assistance. Anyone with information or evidence regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant James Skinner at (302) 366-7100 ext. 3135 or via email at jskinner@newark.de.us. Additional methods for submitting tips, including information on potential rewards, are available on the Newark Police Department’s tips page.
