A 19-year-old man faces multiple charges after he was allegedly caught attempting to steal a vehicle in Middletown, Delaware, on August 2, 2025. The incident occurred in the Village of Bayberry South, a typically quiet residential area, where police responded to reports of suspicious activity.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of Astaire Place and Stravinsky Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a 2024 Kia Forte that had been reported stolen overnight from a nearby residence.
While investigating this recovered vehicle, police received a second call regarding a potential car theft on Chopin Drive. A resident reported seeing someone break a window on a 2015 Kia Soul and attempt to enter the vehicle. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and observed a man, later identified as Ni’yione Carter of New Castle, seated in the driver’s seat of the Kia Soul.
Carter was reportedly wearing a surgical mask and holding a screwdriver when officers apprehended him. During the search of the area, police found a credit card belonging to the owner of the stolen Kia Forte near the scene of Carter’s arrest.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Carter was taken to the New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was formally charged with several offenses. These include one felony count each of wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony, possession of burglary tools, and attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Additionally, he faces a misdemeanor count of criminal mischief, with damages estimated between $1,000 and $5,000.
Following his arraignment in Justice of the Peace Court 11, Carter was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $4,500 unsecured bail. All charges against him are currently considered allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
As the investigation continues, the community remains alert as law enforcement addresses issues of vehicle theft. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police to help maintain safety in the area.
