Four Suspects Arrested in Bridgeville Following Multi-State Police Chase

Four teenagers from Maryland were arrested and charged following a police pursuit that took place in Wicomico and Sussex Counties, ending in Bridgeville.

Troopers say the incident happened in the early morning hours of Sunday around 6:35 a.m. Maryland State Troopers attempted to stop a stolen Honda Civic without success. The vehicle then fled to Delaware where it was located on northbound Dupont Highway in the area of Patriots Way. The drivers failed to stop upon the request of Delaware State Police, and continued driving recklessly and fleeing.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Sussex Highway and Redden Road, when a passenger exited and proceeded to take off on foot. A foot pursuit ensued and the suspect eventually struck a Bridgeville K-9 in an attempt to resist. The vehicle continued to flee and was later located unoccupied on Walnut Street in Bridgeville. A citizen stated they saw occupants flee and enter a detached shed on a property. Troopers located three suspects hiding in the shed and took them into custody.

The first suspect who fled, 16-year-old Justin Cooper of Clinton, Maryland was charged with Resisting Arrest and Second Degree Assault on a Law Enforcement Animal. He was arraigned and committed to the Vision Quest Center on 1,5000 dollars secured bond.

The other three suspects: 16-year-old Mario Ponce of Lanham, Maryland, 16-year-old Jennifer Llamas of Lanham, Maryland and 19-year-old Wilfredo Rodriguez of College Park, Maryland were also charged.

Ponce was charged with Third Degree Burglary, Receiving Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, Second Degree Conspiracy, Reckless Driving and Failure to Stop. Ponce was committed to the Vision Quest Center on 2,600 dollars secured bond.

Llamas was charged with Third Degree Burglary, Resisting Arrest and Second Degree Conspiracy. She was arraigned and released on her own recognizance.

Rodriguez was charged with Third Degree Burglary, Resisting Arrest and Second Degree Conspiracy, as well. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on 3,000 dollars secured bond.