Delaware State Police
News Release

Cpl/2 John "Wes" Barnett Jr.
Cell 302.542.5150 

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http://www.state.de.us/dsp/pio/newsroom.htm.

Millsboro-Today, at approximately 11:45 a.m., detectives from Troop 4 formally charged Dennis Drenth, 61, of Millsboro with Assault First Degree and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony after he allegedly shot a 41-year-old Millsboro man last night.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. state troopers responded to Robin Hoods Loop, in Millsboro to investigate a shooting incident. Upon arrival investigators learned the victim went to the residence to confront Mr. Drenth concerning comments he supposedly made regarding a female acquaintance of the victim.

When the victim arrived at the home, he knocked on the door at which time Drenth allegedly pushed out a window screen, displayed a .45 caliber handgun and fired several shots, one of which struck the victim in the thigh. The victim fled the scene and sought treatment at Beebe Medical Center for non- life threatening injuries.

When troopers arrived at the residence, Drenth refused to exit the home and a perimeter was established. Subsequently, state police personnel assigned to the Conflict Management Team, the Special Operations Response Team, Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit, and the Command Post responded and a lengthy negotiations process began.

During the negotiations, a mechanical bomb robot was used to approach the residence in an attempt to establish communications with Mr. Drenth. Drenth shot from a window striking and damaging the robot. Investigators at the scene also utilized a reverse (911 call system) to caution members of the community of the ongoing police activity in the area of Robin Hoods Loop.

During the incident, trained state police negotiators were successful in establishing contact with Mr. Drenth who surrendered to authorities at approximately 7:14 a.m.

As a result of their investigation, detectives formally charged Mr. Drenth with the following felonies: Assault First Degree and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. Mr. Drenth was arraigned via video phone at the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $55,000.00 secured bond.

Millsboro-Members of the Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team (CMT) have successfully negotiated with a 61-year-old Millsboro man who was held up in his home on Robin Hoods Loop in Millsboro.

The man surrendered to troopers at approximately 7:14 a.m. this morning. He was taken into custody without incident. Troopers were initially dispatched to the scene after reports of shots fired were called into 911.

During the investigation, it was learned the suspect allegedly shot a 45-year-old Millsboro man during an argument. The victim was taken to Beebe Medical Center, treated and admitted for one gunshot wound to his left thigh. The victim's injuries are non-life threatening.

This investigation is continuing. A more detailed release will be sent when additional facts of this case are known and confirmed.

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Millsboro-The Delaware State Police are currently at a residence located along the 32000 block of Robin Hoods Loop in Sherwood Forest.  A male suspect has barricaded himself inside a home there. The incident was reported at approximately 9:17 p.m.

The original call for service was in reference to shots being fired near the home. At this time it's believed the suspect is in the dwelling alone and possibly armed.

Precautionary measures are being taken and members of the state police conflict management team and special operations response team are assisting with the investigation which is ongoing.

No other information is available at this time. Supplementary details will be released to the media as soon as practical.

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Last Modified: April 29, 2008.