Investigators from the New Castle County Division of Police, Criminal Investigations Unit, have identified the man shot by police during a drug investigation on Monday night as Andrew Edelmann, a 22-year-old New Castle man.
Police officials said that officers had specific information that Edelmann was going to be delivering a quantity of illegal drugs in the area of Maryland Avenue and East Reamer Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. yesterday evening.
Additionally, officers were aware of the vehicle he would be operating and knew he was at a local business to deliver drugs police said. When officers located Edelmann inside his vehicle, a Hyundai Santa Fe, in the parking lot of the 7-11 convenience store on Maryland Avenue they attempted to stop and detain him pursuant to the active drug investigation according to authorities.
Officials said officers attempted to apprehend Edelmann, however, he ignored their commands. As Edelmann attempted to evade apprehension, he accelerated his vehicle and drove in the direction of officers according to police. An officer in close proximity to the Santa Fe, discharged their weapon striking both Edelmann and a 21-year-old female passenger. Edelmann and the female passenger were both transported to Christiana Hospital where Edelmann was pronounced deceased. The 21-year-old female passenger remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said officers recovered illegal drugs from inside of the vehicle and a loaded rifle from the driver’s side floorboard.
This incident is being investigated by the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit, the Division’s Professional Standards Unit, and the Delaware Department of Justice, Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust. The involved officer, a 10-year veteran of the Division, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.