Hockessin – On Saturday, April 20, at approximately 12:34 a.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to the unit block of Robin Drive in the community of Manley for a check on the welfare.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a 40-year-old man made statements that caused concern for his welfare. The officers spoke to family members and learned that the man was [ms-protect-content id=”35525,36371,36374,36464,36481″]not in his residence and may be in possession of a firearm, officials said. Officers set up a perimeter and established phone contact with the man.
A perimeter was established which subsequently shut down multiple intersections between Old Lancaster Pike and Millcreek Road. A Reverse 911 message was sent out to neighboring residences requesting occupants to remain inside their homes. At approximately 09:45 AM, the man was taken into custody near the area of Oakwood Hills without incident.
During the examination of his residence, evidence was discovered that a firearm had been discharged in the air, but not in the direction of people or houses, police said.
He was transported to an area hospital where he will receive treatment. Warrants for one count of misdemeanor Breach of Release and one count of discharging a firearm near a dwelling are pending.
Arraignment and bail information was not available at the time of this release.
Update
An hours-long search for a man, police described as possibly armed and suicidal has come to an end in the Hockessin-area.
County police just released the following statement:
“As of 09:45 AM, the Police Activity in the area of Hockessin has come to a peaceful conclusion. The roads should be opening up shortly. We apologize to the public for any inconvenience and thank everyone for their cooperation.
An ambulance from the Hockessin Fire Company, dispatched to the area, is transporting one patient to the Veterans Hospital with police on board. We have not confirmed that this is related to the lockdown at this time.”
Breaking Report
Just after 5:00 this morning the New Castle County Police posted an alert on their website asking residents in some Hockessin communities to shelter in place.
“We are asking residents in the communities of Hockessin Valley Farms, Manley, Hickory Hills, and Stella Drive to shelter in place due to a possible armed suicidal subject in the area.
More updates to follow.”
We have received reports from several people that live in the area that say they received a reverse 911 call this morning. The calls reportedly described a male in his 40, 6’3″, 220 lbs. , short brown hair, full beard, and was carrying a rifle. We have not confirmed that information at this time.
We’re also hearing reports that Trooper 4 (Delaware State Police Aviation) is in the area and may have landed in Pike Creek.
At last check 10:00 am, the alert had not been updated on the website.
Developing
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