Delaware State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Bridgeville Wednesday night.
On October 4, 2023, at approximately 10:50 p.m., the Bridgeville Police Department responded to Canterbury Apartments for a report of a home invasion where a black male forced his way into the house and displayed a firearm to two residents. The suspect fled the scene prior to the arrival of the Bridgeville Police Department.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., the Emergency Operations Center received a phone call from a Perdue AgriBusiness- Bridgeville Grain Elevator and Feed Mill employee. The caller advised that a co-worker, later determined to be the same suspect from the home invasion, showed up at the business and stated that this was his last day. He displayed a firearm and told his colleague to call the police prior to fleeing the scene.
Troop 5 and officers from the Bridgeville Police Department responded to the area of Newton and Adams Road, where they located the suspect walking in a field. He was given commands to stop, and the suspect fired his weapon twice. A trooper returned fire. A short time later, the suspect was found dead in the middle of Newton Road with a gunshot wound. He had a firearm, and one shell casing from his gun was beside his body. At this time, it is unknown whether the suspect’s injuries were self-inflicted or resulted from the gunfire exchange.
The suspect is a 23-year-old man from Bridgeville. His name is being withheld until family and relatives are notified. Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the involved trooper will be put on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted regarding the use of force.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident and asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Source: Delaware State Police Newsroom
