The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating a multiagency officer-involved shooting in the Newark area this morning.
On December 2, 2022, at approximately 7:29 a.m., troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Ayre St. outside of Newport in reference to a suspicious person with a gun. Upon contact, the subject fled on foot and was pursued by troopers. During the foot pursuit, the suspect pointed a gun at troopers and gunfire ensued. During this encounter, an occupied Vocational Technical School District bus was struck by gunfire at the corner of Marshall Street and Market Street. There were no injuries reported on the bus.
The suspect continued fleeing on foot to the area of Route 141 and Route 4 where he attempted at least one unsuccessful carjacking before carjacking a second victim and fleeing in that stolen vehicle. Troopers gave chase and there were additional gunshots fired at this location.
The suspect was involved in a lengthy pursuit around both the New Castle and Newark areas until entering the cul-de-sac of Old Cooch’s Bridge Road. At that location the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot through the wooded area towards southbound Interstate 95.
Once he reached the interstate, the suspect made two attempts to carjack unsuspecting victims. During the course of one attempt, the suspect discharged one round striking the interior of the vehicle. The suspect then successfully carjacked a third victim at this location. The pursuing officers were once again forced to engage the suspect and ultimately fired at him. An uninvolved motorist was injured during this event. He was treated at an area hospital and released. The circumstances of this injury remain unclear and are under investigation at this time.
FSU has learned that Delaware State Police Aviation, already in the air at the scene due to the chase, landed at the scene to transport the 37-year-old male patient to Christiana Hospital. The patient reportedly sustained what was described as a gunshot wound to the back of his head. At a press conference held just after 5:00 on Friday, a police spokesman told reporters that the suspect was the only person injured by gunfire.
The suspect then continued to flee in the stolen vehicle on southbound I-95 until his vehicle came to a stop south of Route 896. Officers were forced to engage the armed suspect again and the suspect was shot. Troopers attempted to render first aid, but it was apparent that the suspect would not survive his injuries. Paramedics responded to the scene and the suspect was pronounced deceased.
The identity of the suspect is pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office and notification to his family and relatives.
There were five agencies involved in this incident including the Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police Department, Newport Police Department, Elsmere Police Department, and New Castle City Police Department.
Breaking Report
Just before 8:00 reports of a possible shooting in Newport began coming in. As those reports came in, multiple reports regarding a police chase we coming in as well.
Updated reports indicate the Newport incident was a possible armed carjacking. Police later confirmed that the chase and the Newport incident are connected.
The chase made its way along Route 40 WB to Route 896 NB and entered the City of Newark before the suspect headed to I-95 SB where he head in the wrong direction.
Several reports of shots fired and that the suspect was attempting to carjack drivers on the highway.
Updated reports are that the suspect was involved in a gunfight with Troopers and is now deceased.
There are a lot of moving parts to this story. Cars have been rammed, other injuries may have occurred.
At least one other person was transported to the hospital.
This is a developing Story
