Dover – Delaware State Police are identifying the suspect who was fatally wounded in an exchange of gunfire with a State Trooper, over the weekend, as Juliun Pitcher, 16, of Smyrna, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said Pitcher was the front seat passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation on Fieldstone Court, just east of Kenton Road in Dover, which occurred at approximately 3:11 a.m., Saturday, December 9, 2017.
As the Trooper approached the vehicle, Pitcher displayed a handgun, with an exchange of gunfire ensuing, according to Austin. Pitcher was shot during the exchange, and succumbed to his injuries, after being transported to a local hospital. The 18-year-old, driver of the vehicle, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, for which he was treated and released, from a local hospital. A 17-year-old rear seat passenger in the vehicle, was uninjured as a result of the incident.
The 35-year-old Trooper involved in this incident has been employed by the Delaware State Police for 2 years, and is assigned to Troop 3 patrol, in Camden, DE. He has been placed on administrative leave as per Divisional Policy, pending the outcome of the investigation. The Trooper involved in this incident was not injured.
Detectives did recover a handgun from the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, with further details being released as they become available, said Austin.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective D. Grassi of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
