Domestic Dispute Results In Trooper Shooting Suspect

Georgetown- The following news release outlines additional details surrounding the officer involved shooting from yesterday.

This incident began with a domestic dispute at approximately 1:00 p.m. at a residence along the 28000 block of Wynikako Avenue in Millsboro. Initially, a verbal argument ensued between David C. Bethard, his 38-year-old girlfriend and her 19-year-old daughter. As the argument escalated, Bethard was asked to leave the residence, but he refused.

He went into the kitchen and obtained several large kitchen knives. He then held the knives in a threatening manner and advised that everyone was going to die. The 19-year-old fled the home and called 911. The suspect then took his girlfriend from the residence against her will.

The daughter advised the State Police dispatcher center, SUSCOM, of the facts surrounding the incident at the home and also told them that Bethard was armed. This information was relayed to the responding Troopers.

When the initial confrontation with the officer ensued, the Trooper gave Bethard several lawful commands for him to surrender. The suspect put his hands in his pockets and refused to take them out.

Then, instead of coming peacefully, the suspect threatened the officer. He then lunged at the Trooper and quickly withdrew his hands from his pockets while holding a black object. This object later proved to be a cellular phone. In fear for his life, the Trooper fired a single round from his divisionally issued weapon, striking the suspect.

Charges:
In reference to the officer involved shooting, warrants are now on file charging David Bethard with Resisting Arrest and Menacing (both misdemeanors).

In reference to the domestic, warrants are now on file charging Bethard with the following offenses: two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony (felony), Kidnapping (felony), two counts of Aggravated Menacing (felony) and two counts of Terroristic Threatening (misdemeanor).
He will be formally charged upon his release from the hospital.

The officer involved in this shooting is identified as Captain Charles Simpson, the Troop 4 Commander in Charge. As a matter of routine procedure, he has been placed on Administrative Duty.