Middletown – At approximately 9:17 this morning Thursday April 27, 2013, the alleged cop killer, Burgon Sealy Jr., came out of his home and opened fire on an army of officers.
State Police, US Marshals and this reported, stationed on the back side of the home, ran for cover as the gunfire rang out. The gun battle lasted just a few seconds but it sounded like at least 50 rounds were fired.
After the gunfire stopped Trooper 4 (DSP Helicopter) quickly left the scene, a police drone landed nearby and the police officers working the tape line began to relax. It was clear that the volley of gunfire that cause us to take cover was the end of the incident.
Sealy barricaded himself in his fathers home for almost 20 hours, after, police say, he shot and killed a Delaware State Trooper at a Bear area WAWA.
Yesterday’s events began when the unnamed trooper approached a suspicious vehicle, with two occupants, in the parking lot of the WAWA, located at Route 40 and Salem Church Road in Bear.
As the trooper approached the Dodge Charger a struggle ensued and one of the men opened fire striking the officer.
Police have not confirmed how many times the Trooper was shot but witnesses at the scene said that the Trooper was shot 8 times.
The moment the trooper fell, good Samaritans jumped in and began CPR, trying to save his life. Others called 911 alerting police and first responders to the incident.
No resource was left at the station. Officers from Maryland, the county, federal and the state rushed to the scene. Trooper 4 (DSP Helicopter) was dispatched to drop a K-9 officer to help track the shooter.
Witnesses said the shooter fled on foot after killing the trooper while the other occupant was arrested on scene.
Responding officers set up a perimeter in the surrounding neighborhoods but the suspect got away.
Just after 4:30 p.m. State Police issued a statement alerting residents of Middletown that there was a shooting in the area.
State Police Statement – Middletown – Multiple police agencies are on the scene of a shots fired complaint in the 500 block of St. Michaels Drive, Brick Mill Farm Development. This investigation is related to the incident in which a trooper was shot outside a Newark area convenience store. A male suspect has refused orders to surrender and continues to fire rounds at police officers.
Residents in the area are advised to stay inside their homes and lock their doors until notified otherwise.
Brick Mill Road is currently closed between Marl Pit Road and Middletown Odessa Road (SR299). Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.
It’s unclear how the suspect got to Middletown or if he had any help.
At 7:45 p.m. State Police said that they continue to operate on St. Michaels Drive in the Brick Mill Farms Development. The subject continues to remain barricaded inside the residence and is armed with an unknown type firearm.
Multiple Special Operations Response Teams and Conflict Management Teams from allied police agencies are attempting to make contact with the male subject and are continuing to attempt to persuade him to surrender.
Residents in the area remain evacuated. There are no reported injuries.
The last Delaware State Trooper to die in the line of duty was Corporal Christopher Shea. Shea was killed when his patrol car was struck head on by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver, on Sunday, July 18, 2004.
Middletown –Allied police agencies continue to operate on St. Michaels Drive in the Brick Mill Farms Development. The subject continues to remain barricaded inside the residence and is armed with an unknown type firearm.
At 8:22 p.m. Wednesday April 26, 2017, the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) utilized an explosive breeching charge on the front door. At that time, no entry was made into the residence.
Around 4:00 a.m. this morning, Thursday April 27, 2017, officers once again came under fire from the suspect. Allied agencies explosively breached numerous windows but did not enter the residence.
Multiple Special Operations Response Teams and Conflict Management Teams from allied police agencies continued to make contact with the male subject and attempted to persuade him to surrender.
At 9:17 a.m., the male suspect exited the residence and engaged police. The suspect was then shot by law enforcement. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:29 a.m.
A news conference will be held at Delaware State Police Troop 2, Glasgow at 1:30 p.m.this afternoon where more details of this investigation will be discussed.
Residents in the area remain evacuated. The Odessa Fire Company, located at 304 Main Street in Odessa, has opened its facility to temporarily house the evacuated residents of Brick Mill Farms Development.
Brick Mill Road remains closed between Marl Pit Road and Middletown Odessa Road (SR299).
Click to view original release: State Police Investigating Shots Fired
Released: 042717 10:07 a.m.
Middletown – At 9:18 this morning multiple gunshots could be heard. Delaware police helicopter can be seen hovering above the house.
Check back as this story is fast developing.
Original Story
Middleton – The Delaware State Police along with multiple allied police agencies continue to surround a home on St. Michaels Drive in the Brick Mill Farms Development in Middletown. The man wanted in the shooting death of Delaware State Trooper Cpl./1 Stephen J. Ballard remains barricaded inside the residence and is armed with firearm, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Gary Fournier.
Fournier said that at 8:22 p.m. on Wednesday the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) utilized an explosive breaching charge on the front door. At that time, no entry was made into the residence.
Around 4:00 a.m. this morning officers once again came under fire from the suspect. Police responded by explosively breaching numerous windows but did not entered the residence.
Multiple Special Operations Response Teams and Conflict Management Teams from allied police agencies are attempting to make contact with the male subject and are continuing to attempt to persuade him to surrender, according to Fouriner
Residents in the area remain evacuated. The Odessa Fire Company, located at 304 Main Street in Odessa, opened its facility to temporarily house the evacuated residents of Brick Mill Farms Development while police continue to negotiate with the armed barricaded subject.
Trooper Stephen J. Ballard a 8.5 year veteran of the Delaware State Police, assigned to patrol at Troop 2 in Glasgow, was 32-years-ol