DETAILS EMERGE OF OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN LEWES, DELAWARE
Lewes, DE - On June 22, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., troopers responded to a home in the 32000 block of Cea Dag Circle in Dagsboro, Delaware, to conduct a welfare check on a 49-year-old man named Jason Arnold. Authorities reported that Arnold, who was armed, had made threats to harm himself and his family.
While en route, officials received information that Arnold was driving a black Honda Pilot and possibly heading to his family residence on Blackwood Drive in Lewes, Delaware.
A Millsboro Police Department officer spotted a vehicle matching that description and attempted a traffic stop. Arnold, the driver, did not comply, resulting in a pursuit that included assistance from a Delaware State Police trooper. The pursuit ended on Blackwood Drive.
According to the preliminary investigation, Arnold exited the vehicle armed with a firearm and began firing at the officers. Both the Millsboro officer and the Delaware State Trooper returned fire, striking Arnold.
Despite his injuries, Arnold managed to enter his family's home on Blackwood Drive.
The situation escalated into a standoff lasting several hours. Members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team and the Crisis Management Team attempted to negotiate Arnold's surrender.
When there was no response, officers entered the residence and found Arnold deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, and family members have been notified.
During the incident, a neighboring 69-year-old woman sustained minor injuries, though it is unclear if these injuries were directly related to the exchange of gunfire. She was treated at a local hospital and later discharged. No additional injuries were reported.
As per standard operating procedures, the involved Delaware State Police trooper has been placed on administrative leave while the Delaware Department of Justice conducts a use-of-force investigation. The Millsboro Police Department officer involved is also following their department's protocol.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing the investigation and is asking anyone with pertinent information to contact Detective M. Csapo at (302) 741-2729. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
