The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit are investigating a multiagency officer involved shooting in the Newark area this morning.

On December 2, 2022, at approximately 7:29 a.m., troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Ayre St. outside of Newport in reference to a suspicious person with a gun. Upon contact, the subject fled on foot and was pursued by troopers. During the foot pursuit, the suspect pointed a gun at troopers and gunfire ensued. During this encounter, an occupied Vocational Technical School District bus was struck by gunfire at the corner of Marshall Street and Market Street. There were no injuries reported on the bus.

The suspect continued fleeing on foot to the area of Route 141 and Route 4 where he attempted at least one unsuccessful carjacking before carjacking a second victim and fleeing in that stolen vehicle. Troopers gave chase and there were additional gunshots fired at this location. The suspect was involved in a lengthy pursuit around both the New Castle and Newark areas until entering the cul-de-sac of Old Cooch’s Bridge Road. At that location the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot through the wooded area towards southbound Interstate 95.

Once he reached the interstate, the suspect made two attempts to carjack unsuspecting victims. During the course of one attempt, the suspect discharged one round striking the interior of the vehicle. The suspect then successfully carjacked a third victim at this location. The pursuing officers were once again forced to engage the suspect and ultimately fired at him. An uninvolved motorist was injured during this event. He was treated at an area hospital and released. The circumstances of this injury remain unclear and are under investigation at this time.

The suspect then continued to flee in the stolen vehicle on southbound I-95 until his vehicle came to a stop south of Route 896. Officers were forced to engage the armed suspect again and the suspect was shot. Troopers attempted to render first aid, but it was apparent that the suspect would not survive his injuries. Paramedics responded to the scene and the suspect was pronounced deceased.

The identity of the suspect is pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office and notification to his family and relatives.

There were five agencies involved in this incident to include the Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police Department, Newport Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, and New Castle City Police Department.

Delaware State Police Homicide Unit are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 120222 1776

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