Editor's note: This article was corrected at 9 a.m., April 18.

Newark Police reported on April 17 that they have charged three juveniles in connection with an April 3 incident in which a pedestiran was shot by water pellets on East Main Street. 

Three suspects in that incident turned themselves in to Newark Police, who  identified them as a 15-year-old male from Earleville, Maryland, and a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old male from Elkton, Maryland.

Each was charged with offensive touching, disorderly conduct, third degree conspiracy and discharging a gun in public. All three were released to a parent on their own recognizance to appear in New Castle County Family Court at a later date.

April 16 incident

Newark Police are also investigating an incident that ocured on Saturday, April 16. A woman was walking on East Main Street near North Chapel Street at about 12:20 p.m., Saturday, when she heard shots and saw someone pointing what she believed to be a Nerf gun from a passing vehicle. She sustained minor bruising.

Two or three minutes later, a man reported that he was at the crosswalk on East Main Street east of South College Avenue when a vehicle drove by and shot him in the stomach with a splatter ball, causing a minor bruise. He did not require medical attention.

In each case, the victims gave a similar vehicle description. Both were found to have been shot with splatter balls, which are water-filled gel pellets.

Using surveillance video and statements from the victims and witnesses, Newark Police quickly identified the suspect vehicle and were able to identify suspects, and arrest warrants are pending for them.

The Newark Police Department noted the “Orbeez Challenge” on social media, and it takes these cases seriously. The public is reminded that shooting someone from a motor vehicle or otherwise is a dangerous offense that can have serious consequences, even if there is no intent to injure the victim.

Resources

Members of the University community are reminded to be vigilant: If you see something, say something. Be aware of your surroundings and use well-lit paths.  Travel in groups when possible.  Call 911 to report suspicious activity.

For additional information on safety and wellness topics at UD, visit www.udel.edu/students/safety/.

Members of the UD community may download a free smartphone app, LiveSafe, that lets users submit tips to police, receive important broadcast notifications and contact the University of Delaware Police Department directly. To learn more, visit this LiveSafe website.

Subscribe at this webpage for a UD Crime Update email whenever an article about a police investigation is posted on UDaily.