Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police have charged two suspects following an investigation into a shooting that took place in New Castle. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 3:31 p.m. when patrol officers were dispatched to the New Castle Crossing apartment complex. Two officers in the area witnessed a vehicle speeding away from the scene and attempted to stop it. However, the vehicle continued to flee and eventually crashed near 295 and New Castle Avenue.
Upon arriving at the crash site, officers discovered the driver, Adrien Owens, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. They immediately provided first aid and Owens was subsequently transported to a local hospital. Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening and he was later released to the police. During a search of the crashed vehicle, detectives found a firearm, which further linked it to the shooting incident.
Working together, NCCPD Patrol Officers and Troopers from the Delaware State Police were able to locate and secure the original crime scene, determined to be the 1600 block of Bassett Avenue in New Castle. It was discovered that gunfire had struck a nearby apartment and a parked vehicle. Additionally, officers encountered several disorderly individuals in the vicinity. They also learned that another victim had been transported to the Wilmington Manor Fire Company by a private vehicle.
The second victim, a 22-year-old male, was in critical condition and was immediately transported to a local hospital by ambulance. While officers were providing first aid and securing the area, they encountered a disorderly individual who was later identified as the second suspect, Carlos Vasquez. Despite resisting arrest, Vasquez was eventually apprehended by the patrol officers who were dealing with multiple crime scenes.
Thanks to the prompt response of patrol officers, assistance from community members, and a thorough investigation by the Criminal Investigations Unit, both suspects responsible for the shooting have been identified and charged. Adrien Owens, a 20-year-old resident of New Castle, faces multiple felony counts, including assault in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, reckless endangerment in the first degree, and disregarding a police officer signal. His bail has been set at $115,000.
Carlos Vasquez, a 21-year-old resident of New Castle, is also facing several felony charges, including assault in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, reckless endangering in the first degree, resisting arrest with force, and assault in the third degree. His bail has been set at $120,000.
The swift action of law enforcement, combined with the support of the local community, has resulted in the successful identification and charging of the individuals involved in this shooting incident. The New Castle County Division of Police is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, and will continue to work diligently to bring those responsible for criminal acts to justice.
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