At a Thursday afternoon press conference, Sergeant Leonard Demalto, a spokesman for the Delaware State Police confirmed an incident involving their officers and a 28-year-old suspect that was wanted.
The incident took place just at 7:22 at the Lowe’s store located at 2225 Hessler Boulevard in New Castle after officers with the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team were alerted that the wanted man was shoplifting at the Lowes.
Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers spotted the suspect and attempted to make contact with him, Demalto said the man fled to a vehicle in the rear of the store. Officers attempted to surround the vehicle as the driver attempted to flee.
During the incident, the man rammed a police vehicle according to Demalto. Troopers left their vehicle to make an arrest. Demalto said while officers were trying to take the man into custody he continued to resist and drove his vehicle toward the officers, leading to at least one officer discharging a firearm, striking the suspect. The extent of the suspect’s injuries was not disclosed during the press conference, however, First State Update has learned that the man was struck at least twice in the chest.
Immediately after the shooting, Troopers on the scene provided initial first-aid to the suspect and requested assistance from the Minquadale Fire Company and New Castle County Paramedics. Responding to the call, rescue crews quickly arrived at Hessler Boulevard, which is situated between the Lowes and the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles, at 7:39 PM.
The man was transported to the trauma center where was pronounced deceased said Demalto..
Additionally, the spokesperson confirmed reports from earlier in the day regarding a Trooper who was injured during the shooting. The Trooper sustained what was described as a gunshot wound to the wrist, initially. At the press conference officials described it as a minor injury. Demalto also added a new detail saying that two officers had been injured during the incident. Following the incident, one Trooper was transported to Christiana Hospital by ambulance. It’s not clear how the second officer was transported The Troopers’ injuries were not severe and both were treated and released.
Demalto did not take questions at the press conference.