Man with a Gun Confronts Troopers During Warrant Attempt

Milford, DE - The Delaware State Police are investigating a man who brandished a handgun while Troopers were attempting to execute a warrant west of Milford.

The preliminary investigation of the incident revealed it occurred at 10:06 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2015 as the Dover Police Department requested the Delaware State Police to conduct a warrant attempt for a wanted subject, Richard Wilson, 36 of Milford, located in the 60o block of Milford-Harrington Highway, Milford, Delaware. The Dover Police Department had a pending warrant for Richard Wilson for a Criminal Contempt of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (Violation of Protection From Abuse Order).

Upon arrival to the residence Troopers observed an unknown black male in the residence. The black male was later identified as Lionel Waters, 35 of Milford, who would not provide any information pertaining to his identity or allow Troopers access to the residence. Troopers then began to depart the property and the unknown black male opened the front door and advised he had a weapon. Troopers then engaged Waters and demanded the unknown black male subject to drop the weapon. Troopers observed what appeared to be a firearm in his possession. Troopers made numerous requests for Waters to drop the firearm, the male suspect refused to comply. The male subject then became agitated, aggressive and actively resisted arrest.

A trooper then deployed his divisionally issued Taser and was unable to successfully take the suspect into custody. Fellow troopers did assist in taking the subject into custody as the subject continued to actively resist arrest.

Troopers requested an ambulance to respond in reference to the Taser deployment. Assisting Troopers collected and secured the firearm.

Waters went unconscious at the scene and it was at this point that the troopers realized that he had gone into cardiac arrest and immediately began administering CPR and additional life-saving efforts until paramedics arrived. He was transported to Milford Memorial Hospital and is currently listed in stable but critical condition. The preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor in regards to Lionel Waters.

Richard Wilson was later taken into custody as he arrived at the residence several hours later which is located on Milford Harrington Highway, Milford, Delaware. Wilson was turned over to Dover Police Department in reference to his outstanding arrest warrant.

All Troopers were not injured.

The Delaware State Police and the Attorney General’s office are reviewing the incident and charges are pending against Lionel Waters.