On this date, seven years ago, Lieutenant Joseph Szczerba of the New Castle County Division of Police went to backup other officers who were searching for a disorderly man near Penn Acres Park. He located the man at East Roosevelt Avenue and Fithian Drive and, after a short foot chase, began to struggle with him. During the struggle, the subject pulled out a knife and stabbed Lieutenant Szczerba.
Other officers were able to take the subject into custody. Lieutenant Szczerba was transported to Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to the wound.
On September 30th, 2013, the subject pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and 13 additional counts. On January 17th, 2014, the subject was sentenced to two life terms in prison without parole.
Lieutenant Szczerba was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and awarded the department’s Medal of Honor.
