Trooper Injured and Suspect Killed in Claymont Shooting

Claymont - The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently investigating a Trooper involved shooting that occurred this morning in Claymont, which has left a 35 year old man dead.

The following information outlines the preliminary investigation into a Trooper involved shooting that occurred this morning in Claymont, Delaware.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at approximately 1:35 a.m. as a Trooper responded to the Rite Aid at the Northtowne Plaza, located at 641 Naamans Road Claymont, for a burglary alarm. Upon arrival the Trooper observed the suspect’s vehicle parked at the rear of the business. As the Trooper exited his vehicle he observed the suspect exiting the rear door of the Rite Aid and quickly entered his vehicle. The suspect then attempted to flee with the Trooper at his opened driver’s side door. The suspect dragged the Trooper as he reversed his vehicle striking the marked patrol Tahoe. The suspect then again attempted to drive off and continuing to drag the Trooper. The Trooper then fired his divisionally issued weapon striking the suspect’s upper torso. The Trooper immediately rendered first aid to the suspect until the arrival of EMS personnel.

During the altercation the Trooper sustained bodily injuries with lacerations and contusions. He was transported to the Wilmington Hospital for his non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released.

The suspect was airlifted to the Christiana Hospital by the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 4:08 a.m.

The Trooper involved in this incident is a 16 year veteran of the Delaware State Police assigned to Troop 1 in Claymont, DE. He has been placed on administrative leave as per Divisional Policy, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Detectives from the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene and are conducting the investigation. This is an active and ongoing investigation with Detectives continuing their investigation, evidence processing, and interviews.