A woman was sexually assaulted Friday morning during a series of attempted carjackings in northern New Castle County.
Several cars were rear-ended in an attempt to lure drivers out and then steal their vehicles, according to Delaware State Police.
The preliminary investigation shows that two males were operating a black Jeep in an area north of Wilmington.
The first incident occurred at about 6:45 a.m. at Thompsons Bridge and Guyen Court roads near Centreville. That’s when investigators said the males rear-ended the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene prior to police arriving.
The victim was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries sustained during the crash.
A second collision occurred at about 7:10 a.m. in Pennsylvania. During this incident, police said the same vehicle as earlier rear-ended a woman’s vehicle. The woman drove a short distance into Delaware and pulled over to assess the damage.
When she exited her vehicle, one of the suspects forced her into her car at gunpoint. That gunman then got into her vehicle and drove her back into Pennsylvania, police said.
The second male followed the victim’s vehicle back into Pennsylvania, where police said she was sexually assaulted. The woman was able to escape and call 911 with the assistance of a nearby resident.
The males fled the scene, returning to Delaware, where police said they met two other people in the parking lot of a local convenience store.
The black Jeep, which was parked near a red Nissan Pathfinder, was spotted by police. When officers tried to make contact with the Jeep’s occupants, police said the Jeep fled the scene.
There was a brief chase, but the Jeep was able to get away.
The Nissan Pathfinder, which had been parked near the Jeep, rear-ended a vehicle at about 9:30 a.m. in the area of I-95 and Marsh Road. During this incident, police said a gunman pointed a gun at a victim and fled the scene prior to police arriving.
That victim was not injured.
A short time later, troopers saw the red Pathfinder on I-95 south near Naamans Road.
As a chase began, police said the Pathfinder crashed into a Mercedes on I-95 south near Concord Pike.
Both suspects fled on foot, but were captured a short time later.
The Mercedes’ driver was not injured.
More:Woman killed, several others injured in multi-car crash on Route 202 Thursday afternoon
Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact detectives at (302) 365-8440. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
“This investigation is ongoing and at least two additional suspects from the kidnapping and sexual assault remain at large,” said Sgt. India Sturgis, a police spokesperson.
“If you are concerned for your safety after having been involved in a collision, please remain in your vehicle with your doors locked and your windows rolled up until a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene,” she said. “If you are near a police station or Troop, activate your hazard lights and slowly drive to that location while notifying the 911 center.”
Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com
