Delaware State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle that occurred in Townsend last night.
On May 9, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., troopers responded to Dupont Highway in Camden for a report of a stolen white Infiniti QX6 traveling in the area. A trooper located the Infiniti at Walmart, located at 263 Walmart Drive in Camden, and a computer check confirmed the vehicle was stolen within the jurisdiction of New Castle County Police earlier this month. The trooper initiated a traffic stop, but the driver failed to stop. In the ensuing pursuit, the Infiniti traveled at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner on Dupont Highway in Dover, but the pursuit was ultimately terminated out of concern for the safety of pedestrians and other motorists. A short time later, a trooper saw the Infiniti traveling northbound on Dupont Highway near the Dover Mall and attempted to pull it over. The driver once again disregarded the police signal, and a second pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the Infiniti exited Dupont Highway and traveled northbound on Route 1 as it continued traveling at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner. The Infiniti then exited Route 1 and entered the city limits of Smyrna, where it collided with another vehicle. After the collision the Infiniti did not stop, and continued northbound on Dupont Highway, until it eventually came to a stop north of Fieldsboro Road after becoming disabled.
The preliminary investigation revealed that after the Infiniti came to a stop, the driver and 3 passengers began fleeing on foot from the stolen vehicle as a trooper was approaching them. While approaching the Infiniti, the trooper observed the black male driver drop a firearm in the roadway as he exited the Infiniti. The driver picked up the firearm and fled on foot towards a tree line with the firearm in his hand. During the foot chase with the suspect, the trooper gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop and drop the weapon, but the suspect did not comply. Subsequently, the trooper discharged his divisionally issued handgun, striking the suspect.
Troopers rendered first aid until emergency medical services arrived. The suspect, a 25-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.
The remaining 3 suspects were located in a nearby wooded area and taken into custody without incident. No one was hurt during the collision.
Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the involved trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov
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