Newark police allege 13-year-old was shooter in robbery

• Three teens – 13, 15, 16 –charged after man was shot in hand on Tuesday
• Police allege 13-year-old had gun, fired shots
• Gun was used in a previous robbery, police say

Three teens have been arrested in an armed robbery that led to a shooting in Newark, with a 13-year-old as the gunman, city police said Wednesday.

The boys – 13, 15 and 16 – robbed a man in his 20s of his cellphone about 5:30 p.m. Monday in the first block of Thorn Lane at the Studio Green apartments off Elkton Road, Lt. Mark A. Farrall said.

Due to their age, suspects' names and photos are being withheld by The News Journal.

Police said the gun used in the shooting also was used in the earlier robbery, previously reported as a strong-arm robbery. Police have not revealed where they believe the boy got the gun.

The 13-year-old showed the small handgun as the trio demanded the victim's property, Farrall said.

The victim recognized the 15-year-old and, 2½ hours later, went to confront him at another building in the complex, he said.

The victim found that boy and the 13-year-old in front of the building and confronted them, drawing a crowd as they yelled at each other, Farrall said.

The younger boy again showed the handgun, he added. The boys ran, but the 13-year-old turned and fired the gun, hitting the victim once in the hand, Farrall said. The victim declined medical care.

Detectives quickly identified the suspects, police said.

Police searched and took the boys into custody at their homes Wednesday, Farrall said.

The 13-year-old, of the first block of Thorn Lane, and 15-year-old, of the 300 block, were charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, two counts of firearm possession during commission of a felony, two counts of firearm possession by a prohibited minor, three counts of reckless endangering, two counts of conspiracy and third-degree assault.

They were committed to New Castle County Detention Center near Prices Corner, each lacking $94,000 cash bail.

The 16-year-old – held at the same site, lacking $48,000 cash bail – was charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault, firearm possession during the commission of a felony, firearm possession by a prohibited minor, conspiracy and third-degree assault.

Police continue to investigate the incidents and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Greg Delia at (302) 366-7110, ext. 132, or greg.delia@cj.state.de.us. Tips also may be given by sending texts starting with 302NPD to TIP411, calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visiting www.tipsubmit.com.

Contact robin brown at (302) 324-2856 or rbrown@delawareonline.com. Find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @rbrowndelaware.