Rehoboth Beach-The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday evening, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper.
Pepper said On December 10, 2020, at approximately 7:47 p.m., officers assigned to the First State Violent Fugitive Taskforce responded to the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Resort parking lot located at 19540 Coastal Highway, attempting to apprehend a 37-year-old male from Reading, Pennsylvania. The male subject was wanted on an out-of-state arrest warrant for Attempted Criminal Homicide. Members of the Taskforce who located the wanted subject were officers from the Delaware State Police, Milford Police Department, and Probation and Parole. When officers contacted the subject, an exchange of gunfire took place. During the incident, the Milford Police Officer Taskforce member was shot and transported to an area hospital where he is currently listed in critical but stable condition.
The 38-year-old officer is a 13-year veteran with the Milford Police Department and assigned full-time to the First State Violent Fugitive Taskforce.
The wanted subject was also shot during the exchange of gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A handgun was located at the scene. The name of the subject is being withheld until notification to next of kin.
The Delaware State Trooper and Probation & Parole Officer were not injured during the incident. The Delaware State Trooper involved in this shooting has been placed on administrative leave per Divisional Policy.
This investigation remains active, and the Medical Examiner’s Office is assisting with the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Captain P. Sawyer with the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-741-2727.
