DELAWARE STATE POLICE INVESTIGATING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN MILTON, DELAWARE
Milton, DE - Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting involving law enforcement that occurred yesterday afternoon. The events began at approximately 3:56 p.m. on May 1, 2025, when officers responded to reports of a possibly impaired driver on the Lewes-Georgetown Highway near Harbeson Road.
Several 9-1-1 calls described a red Ford F-150 driving erratically, specifically at a slow speed and swerving into the opposite lane while occasionally driving onto the shoulder.
Troopers located the suspect's vehicle on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver did not comply, resulting in a police pursuit through the surrounding area. The chase ended when the vehicle stopped in a driveway on West Springside Drive within the Cool Spring Farms neighborhood.
The situation escalated when the suspect, a 44-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, exited the vehicle armed with a knife and entered a nearby occupied home where he did not reside. After exiting the home, still holding the knife, the suspect ignored multiple verbal commands from the troopers to stop and drop his weapon. In response to the perceived threat, both troopers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.
Officers attempted to administer first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived, but unfortunately, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.
In accordance with Delaware State Police protocol, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while a use of force investigation is conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.
The incident is currently under active investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Individuals with information related to this case are encouraged to contact Detective B. McDerby at 302-741-2821. Tips can also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-TIP-3333.
Several 9-1-1 calls described a red Ford F-150 driving erratically, specifically at a slow speed and swerving into the opposite lane while occasionally driving onto the shoulder.
Troopers located the suspect's vehicle on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver did not comply, resulting in a police pursuit through the surrounding area. The chase ended when the vehicle stopped in a driveway on West Springside Drive within the Cool Spring Farms neighborhood.
The situation escalated when the suspect, a 44-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, exited the vehicle armed with a knife and entered a nearby occupied home where he did not reside. After exiting the home, still holding the knife, the suspect ignored multiple verbal commands from the troopers to stop and drop his weapon. In response to the perceived threat, both troopers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.
Officers attempted to administer first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived, but unfortunately, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.
In accordance with Delaware State Police protocol, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while a use of force investigation is conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.
The incident is currently under active investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Individuals with information related to this case are encouraged to contact Detective B. McDerby at 302-741-2821. Tips can also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-TIP-3333.
