Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Detectives Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting

Date Posted: Thursday, August 31st, 2023

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

The Delaware State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in New Castle this morning that left a 28-year-old man dead.

On August 31, 2023, at approximately 7:22 a.m., detectives from the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force and the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team responded to Lowe’s located at 2225 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, for a report of a known fugitive shoplifting at the business. Detectives observed the 28-year-old man fleeing from the store with a shopping cart full of merchandise. Troopers attempted to contact the man, but he began running away. The man got into a getaway vehicle which was parked behind the business and struck an unmarked DSP vehicle while attempting to flee.

While attempting to take the man into custody, he did not comply with multiple commands to stop, and he physically resisted when troopers tried to remove him from the car. Troopers shot the man when he continued to drive in a manner that placed officers in imminent danger. Troopers rendered first aid until the man was transported by EMS to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Two troopers were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and they were later released.

The man’s name is being withheld at this time until family and relatives are notified. Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the troopers that were involved will be put on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted regarding the use of force.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit are still actively investigating this incident and 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.