State Police Investigate Officer Involved Shooting With Suspect Wounded (Milford PD)

Location: 600 block of Milford Harrington Highway (SR14), Milford, DE

Date of Occurrence: Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

Suspect/Charges: Roy D. Rhodes-58 of Milford, DE (no photo available at this time)
Aggravated Menacing
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Remains in custody of Troopers at Milford Memorial Hospital pending formal charges and arraignment when medically cleared.

Resume:
Milford-Delaware State Police Detectives have been requested by the Milford Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon which has left a 58 year old Milford, DE man in critical condition.

The following information outlines the initial investigation into an officer involved shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon west of Milford, DE which has left a 58 year old male of Milford, DE in critical condition

The incident occurred on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at approximately 4:00 p.m. as Roy D. Rhodes-58 of Milford, DE was operating a 1998 Lincoln Town Car traveling westbound on Milford Harrington Highway when he crossed into the eastbound lane, into the path of an oncoming vehicle operated by a male driver. The eastbound vehicle was able to take evasive action and avoid a collision with the Lincoln. The Lincoln traveled off of the south edge of the roadway through several bushes and came to a stop in a private driveway located in the 600 block of Milford Harrington Highway. The male operator of the eastbound vehicle turned around and proceeded to exit his vehicle and approach the Lincoln to check on the welfare of Rhodes, who was seated in the driver’s seat. Rhodes was observed holding a knife to his own throat, and the male operator was able to reach through the window, taking the knife and disarming Rhodes. Rhodes then became agitated and combative and produced a handgun from the center console of the Lincoln. Rhodes then exited his vehicle with the handgun as a Milford Police Department Officer arrived on scene. The Officer ordered Rhodes multiple times to put the gun down, at which he did not comply and raised the handgun in the direction of the Officer. The Milford Police Department Officer discharged multiple rounds from his department issued weapon, striking Rhodes three times in the upper body and lower extremity. Both the knife and the handgun were recovered at the scene.

Rhodes was transported by ambulance to the Milford Memorial Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition. Active warrants have been filed and he will be formally charged and arraigned when medically cleared.

There were no reported injuries to bystanders or the Milford Police Officer during this incident.

The Milford Police Officer involved in this incident is an 18 year veteran of the Milford Police Department. He has been placed on administrative duty as departmental policy, pending the outcome of the investigation. The Officer’s name will not be released at this time.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation at the request of the Milford Police Department. This is an active investigation with Detectives continuing their investigation, evidence processing, and interviews.

The 600 block of Milford Harrington Highway between Canterbury Road and Williamsville Road was closed to traffic for approximately 3 hours while the incident was investigated and processed.