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Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Georgetown Police Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty

State Police Homicide Unit Investigates Death of Georgetown Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

Location: Kimmey and Rosa Streets Georgetown Delaware

DATE and TIME: Tuesday September 1, 2009, 6:47 P.M.

Victim(s):
Ptlm. Chad Spicer-29 of Georgetown (Fatally wounded upper extremity)
Cpl. Shawn Brittingham-31 of Millsboro (Injury upper extremity)

Suspect(s):
Christopher Reeves-20, 21000 block of W. Mayhew Drive Lincoln, Delaware (Sussex)

Resume:
On Tuesday September 1, 2009, Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (911) received a call from the McDonalds located at 20817 DuPont Highway Georgetown, Delaware of shots being discharged in the parking lot. Witnesses at the McDonalds described the vehicle involved at the McDonalds altercation as a Chrysler Sebring. The vehicle description and suspect information was broadcast to the Georgetown Police department as well as surrounding agencies.

Georgetown Officers Ptlm. Chad Spicer and Cpl. Shawn Brittingham were patrolling as a two person unit when they observed the Chrysler Sebring. Ptlm. Spicer and Brittingham stopped the Chrysler Sebring, at which time the occupants began to flee from the vehicle on foot.

As Cpl. Brittingham exited the driver’s side of the patrol vehicle to begin pursuing the suspects a single shot was discharged by one of the suspects striking Ptlm. Spicer who had not had the opportunity to exit his vehicle. Spicer sustained a fatal injury to the upper extremity while Cpl. Brittingham received a non lethal injury to the neck area. Both Spicer and Brittingham were transported to Beebe Medical Center Lewes, Delaware. Ptlm Chad Spicer died of injuries sustained during the fire fight. Cpl. Shawn Brittingham is listed in guarded but stable condition at Beebe Medical Center.


Georgetown Police Department, Delaware State Police and numerous other Sussex County police agencies came to assist the officers in Georgetown. Local departments as far north as Dover City Police responded to Georgetown area to help search for the suspects. Local Fire Personal and Emergency crews were out in force to assist police personnel with this investigation.

Delaware State Police Homicide Unit has been asked by the Georgetown Police to handle this investigation. Any and all press related issues will be released by the Delaware State Police Public Information Office. Your patience is requested and all media inquires will be answered promptly and courteously.

Delaware State Police currently have two suspects in custody for questioning in relation to today’s tragic events. The suspects have not been formally charged however additional information will be forthcoming.

Delaware State Police is still currently searching for Christopher Reeves-20 of 21000 block of W. Mayhew Drive Lincoln, Delaware. Reeves is described as a bm-20 5’06” 140 lbs. black hair and brown eyes. Reeves is considered armed and dangerous, anyone having contact with Reeves is asked to call Troop 4 at 302-856-5850, and Crime Stoppers at-1-800-TIP-3333 or for immediate assistance dial 911.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

"...became involved in a foot pursuit with these suspects at which time at least one of the suspects, again fired upon Spicer and Brittingham."

Not true. There was no foot pursuit. The officers were hit while getting out of the vehicle. Please research!

Anonymous said...

"Officer Spicer, 29, was shot before he could even get out of his car, and Cpl. Brittingham was shot in the neck as he got out of the cruiser, according to police. Neither officer returned fire, Georgetown Police Chief William Topping told the paper."

Your story is not accurate.

joealbero said...

MY STORY IS A PRESS RELEASE directly from the DSP! Get a grip, whomever you are.

Anonymous said...

I hope they have judge, jury and execution of this gentlemen when they find him.

doug wilkerson said...

Joe is there anything us regular citizens of Delaware can do or supply to the family to help. Anything?

Anonymous said...

Doug - Joe is NOT the person to be asking! Use your head and call the police if you want a real answer.

doug wilkerson said...

I will ask who-ever I want. This is a tragedy, dont make it worse. Times are tough but if they need anything Ill do what I can.

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to the families of these officers, also to the brotherhood of Law enforcement every where. You are all in my prayers. Be Safe.

Anonymous said...

Office Spicer was the father of a very precious three year old. That three year olds mother is absolutely devestated by what has happened, and is trying to figure out how she is going to tell their daughter that Daddy is never coming home again. Regardless of how or what happened, the result is the same ... please above all else just keep the entire family in your prayers.

Anonymous said...

officer down
God bless the the two officer's and watch over officer Spicers' young family. Crime is getting really bad on the eastern shore and there are alot of guns and gangs on the streets. The public just doesn't understand how under staffed and paid law enforcement is. I hate to say it but this is just the start of things to come. To my brothers in blue...may God watch over you and protect you from harms way.

Anonymous said...

A BM? Why not state what the suspect is. A BLACK MALE.

LadyLiddy said...

The Spicer family has been devestated by these criminals. My nephew is a Baltimore County Police Officer and anytime I hear a story like this I have to call him and tell him how much I love and appreciate him. Yet, people are constantly complaining about police officers. Take a walk in their shoes and you will never complain again.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate the majority of commentors who commented about the cops and/or their families, not the racist bull... that will not help that man's wife and child/children.