The report details a Delaware Department of Justice investigation into a fatal police shooting involving a Delaware State Police Corporal on October 4, 2023.
Police initially responded to a reported home at the Canterbury Apartments invasion in Bridgeville involving an armed suspect identified as Jordan James. About 30 minutes later, James appeared at the Perdue Feed Mill, where he worked, carrying a long gun and behaving erratically, prompting a 911 call. Responding officers located James near railroad tracks. When confronted, James fired his weapon and fled, firing a second time as troopers pursued him.
During the pursuit, the Trooper fired two rounds in response after hearing additional gunfire. James was later found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and with his finger on the trigger. Evidence, including body camera footage and ballistics, confirmed that James fired his weapon prior to the officer’s use of deadly force.
The investigation reviewed video, witness statements, forensic evidence, and officer interviews. It concluded that the Corporal reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to protect himself and others, as James posed an immediate threat after firing his weapon multiple times.
Under Delaware law governing self-defense and use of force by law enforcement, the Department of Justice determined the shooting was legally justified and did not constitute a criminal offense.
