Authorities have released details surrounding last night’s police chase that ended in man taking his life.
The Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Justice are investigating what officials described Thursday as an in-custody suicide at Delaware State Police Troop 3 in Camden.
In a statement issued around 12:00 p.m. Thursday, Delaware State Police said the incident occurred at Troop 3, located at 3759 South State Street, and identified the matter as an active investigation being conducted with the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.
First State Update learned that emergency crews were dispatched to the troop’s cellblock shortly before 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
Police later identified the deceased as 49-year-old Shane Mullen of Hartly.
According to investigators, troopers responded around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday to a residence on Misty Way in Hartly for a reported domestic assault. Before troopers arrived, police learned Mullen had left the area in his girlfriend’s vehicle. Authorities said he was wanted on an active felony domestic warrant connected to a May 22 incident at the same residence and had allegedly assaulted his girlfriend again prior to fleeing.
The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit located the vehicle, leading to a pursuit that crossed into Maryland before returning to Delaware and ending back at the residence on Misty Way.
Police said Mullen initially refused commands to exit the vehicle and later resisted troopers after getting out. A DSP canine was deployed during the encounter. Investigators allege Mullen assaulted the police canine before he was taken into custody.
Mullen was transported to an area hospital for treatment and evaluation of injuries sustained during the canine apprehension. After being released Thursday morning, he was taken to Troop 3 for processing.
Authorities charged Mullen with fifth-offense driving under the influence of alcohol, resisting arrest with force or violence, disregarding a police officer signal, unauthorized use of a vehicle, second-degree assault on a law enforcement animal, offensive touching, two counts of breach of release, and related traffic offenses. He was also charged in connection with the May 22 investigation with strangulation, third-degree assault, and breach of release.
According to Delaware State Police, video surveillance showed Mullen alone in a temporary holding cell at Troop 3 when he used a shoelace to hang himself. Troopers located him and began lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit, working alongside the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust, is continuing the investigation. Additional details are expected in a future update.
