Newark Police have charged two teenagers in connection with incidents on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 22, in which several individuals were struck by water pellets.

Shortly before 8 p.m., the first victim reported being struck while walking on South College Avenue, when a black Mercedes drove by and the occupants shot the victim with a water pellet. The individual was not injured.

Seven additional victims contacted Newark Police and reported similar conduct from a vehicle matching the same description. None of the victims required medical treatment. The incidents occurred on East and West Delaware avenues, East Main Street, Center Street and East Cleveland Avenue.

Shortly after the initial report, the vehicle was stopped by a University of Delaware Police officer on East Cleveland Avenue. The two occupants were taken into custody and turned over to Newark Police. Two water pellet guns were found in the vehicle.

Rebecca Jefferson, 18, of New Castle, and Jaluan Knight, 18, of Newark, were taken to Newark Police headquarters and charged with eight counts of offensive touching, third degree conspiracy and disorderly conduct. They both appeared in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and were released on $5,500 unsecured bail.

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.

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