Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale
Bear, De.- The Delaware State Police are investigating an incident in which a suspect armed with a gun fled from troopers at a local area gas station earlier this week and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.
The preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at approximately 7:56 p.m. as troopers were called and responded to the BP Gas Station, located at 1923 Pulaski Highway, in reference to a suspicious male carrying an unknown make and model handgun.
As troopers entered the parking lot a male subject, who matched the description of the suspicious person, was riding a bicycle on the sidewalk just south of Pulaski Highway. It was at this time that the suspect began pedaling very quickly away from the troopers. A Delaware State Police K-9 unit, who had arrived at the gas station, exited his fully marked K-9 patrol vehicle and ordered the suspect to stop. After the suspect refused to follow the multiple commands of the trooper, he dispatched his K-9.
The suspect continued to flee from the troopers and the K-9 on the bike up a dirt path and on to Thornhill Drive. As the K-9 attempted to apprehend the suspect, the suspect kicked him in the head and continued fleeing on the bike.
As the K-9 caught up to the suspect a second time, the suspect reached into his pocket and pulled out the handgun and turned toward the trooper and his K-9. As the K-9 attempted to reengage the suspect, he kicked the K-9 in the chest. The suspect continued traveling on Thornhill Drive before turning onto Strathaven Court and fleeing the area.
As the trooper ran towards the suspect’s last known location he turned the corner onto Strathaven Court and observed the K-9 had the shirt of a 15 year old male juvenile in his mouth. The trooper immediately yelled commands for the K-9 to release from the juvenile and gained control of the K-9.
The trooper immediately requested EMS to respond to the scene for the juvenile who was subsequently transported to a local area hospital where he was treated and released.
The suspect is described as a black male. He was 5’08”-5’09” tall, had a thin build, and was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, blue jean shorts, and was armed with an unknown make and model handgun.
Delaware State Police continue to investigate this incident. If anyone knows the identity of the pictured subject or has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Troop 2 at 302-365-8370. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”
Released: 062517 2113
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