Vaughn Correctional Center, Smyrna – The Department of Correction Response Teams and the Delaware State Police continue to investigate a hostage situation at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna.
At 5:06 a.m., Delaware State Police breached the C Building. One of the hostages who is a DOC employee was safely rescued and is being examined at a local hospital. She is alert and talking. The remaining hostage, also a DOC employee, was found unresponsive upon entry. He was pronounced dead at 5:29 a.m.
Building C is secured.
The Department of Correction continues to operate under emergency procedures.
Governor Carney, Secretary Coupe, and Commissioner Phelps will host a press conference at 10:30 a.m. at Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Glasgow.
Governor Carney released the following statement today on the fallen correctional officer from James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.
“I’m praying hard for the fallen officer’s family. This serves as a tragic reminder that members of law enforcement risk their lives every day on behalf of the people of Delaware. We will stand by the fallen officer’s family and fellow law enforcement officers during what is an extremely difficult time.
This was a long and agonizing situation. I want to thank all those involved in responding, including officers at the Department of Correction and the Delaware State Police, as well as our federal partners. Our priority now will be to determine what happened and how this happened. We will hold accountable anyone who was responsible. And we will make whatever changes are necessary to ensure nothing like it ever happens again.”
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