The Dover Police Department arrested a 61-year-old Dover man following a barricade situation that occurred Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities identified the suspect as Eric Dryden, 61, of Dover. Police said the investigation began at approximately 3:34 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a residence in the unit block of Stoney Drive for a reported domestic-related incident involving the discharge of a firearm.
Officers made contact with the victim upon arrival. The investigation determined that the victim and Dryden had been involved in an argument inside the home. During the dispute, police allege Dryden assaulted the victim, pointed a firearm at her, and fired a round into a wall inside the residence. The victim was able to leave the home safely and contact law enforcement.
Attempts to persuade Dryden to exit the residence were unsuccessful. The situation escalated and Dover Police Special Operations Response Team and Crisis Negotiations Team, along with assistance from the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team were called to the scene. Due to the location of the incident, traffic in the surrounding area was significantly impacted, and the Delaware Department of Transportation responded to assist with traffic control.
Police reported that Dryden exited the residence several times while holding a firearm but re-entered and refused to surrender. During the operation, authorities made the decision to disable electricity to the home. A City of Dover electric department employee was escorted to the side of the residence by a Delaware State Police officer operating an armored vehicle and two Dover Police SORT members.
While power was being disconnected, Dryden allegedly fired a round from inside the residence toward the exterior, nearly striking the electric employee and assisting officers.
Police said Dryden later sustained a self-inflicted injury inside the home and subsequently surrendered. He was treated at the scene by medical personnel and transported to an area hospital. Authorities said he remains hospitalized at an undisclosed location and will be formally arraigned once medically cleared.
Dryden is expected to face charges including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, four counts of reckless endangering, aggravated menacing, resisting arrest, and offensive touching.
