Sketches released of suspects who robbed boy in wheelchair

NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) -- Police released sketches of two young suspects in the assault and robbery of a 12-year-old boy in a wheelchair.

The suspects are believed to be between 12 and 14 years old.

The attack happened at 2:43 p.m. Monday in the unit block of Buchanan Circle in New Castle County, southeast of Newark.

Investigators say the victim, Lequan Mackie, was outside exercising in his wheelchair when the suspects ran up behind him and pushed the wheelchair, causing it to get stuck in a storm grate.

That's when the pair pounced.

"The kids proceeded to punch me. I put my hand up to block the punch and they grabbed my lanyard. It was already around my neck and they started to choke me," Lequan said. "I just screamed as loud as I could and that's when they decided 'let's get out of here' because someone might here them and they took off with my keys."

Police say a similar incident occurred a few days earlier, as the same suspects assaulted and threatened Lequan. He says he doesn't know who the boys are.

Officer say, at the time, they canvassed the area and notified residents of the incident.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect #1- Caucasian male, 12-14 years of age, 4'8'' tall, regular build with short blonde hair and a small birth mark on his hand.

Suspect #2-African-American male, 12-14 years of age, 4'8" tall, thin build with short black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Castle County Police Department at (302) 573-2800 or through www.nccpd.com.