On Monday afternoon, officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the 1200 block of Old Lancaster Pike in Hockessin with a heavy police presence, including the deployment of SWAT officers.
At approximately 3:00 p.m., police issued a public advisory warning motorists to avoid the area and to expect an increased number of emergency vehicles while the situation was addressed. Initial reports from the scene suggested that the incident involved a person who was possibly barricaded inside a location near the Hockessin Fire Company Station. Law enforcement sources later indicated that the subject may have been armed; however, police have not officially confirmed those details.
As the incident unfolded, bystanders in the area reported hearing what they believed to be gunfire. Following those reports, SWAT officers were seen beginning to pack up and leave the scene shortly before 5:15 p.m. Police have not confirmed that any shots were fired during the incident.
Sources in law enforcement tell FSU that an individual that police were looking may have been the subject involved in this case. A subsequent search of court records showed that the individual named by our sources is no longer listed as being sought, and there is no indication at this time that the person is in custody.
At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, New Castle County Police announced that Old Lancaster Pike had reopened and confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the nature of the investigation or the circumstances surrounding the reported barricade.
