A Delaware State Police trooper was killed during a shooting inside a DMV facility in New Castle County near Wilmington, according to authorities. Police say the suspect was also killed after an officer confronted him at the scene.
The incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon at a DMV office on Hessler Boulevard in Minquadale. Officials provided details later in the day, describing a deadly encounter that began while the suspect was inside the building as a customer.
Note: This article summarizes publicly reported information and may be updated as officials release more verified details.
What officials say happened
According to authorities, the suspect, described as a 44-year-old man, entered the DMV facility around 2:00 p.m. A short time later, police say he approached a state trooper who was seated at the reception desk and opened fire.
Officials said the trooper was working an overtime shift at the time.
After being shot, authorities say the trooper pushed a nearby DMV employee out of harm’s way. Police said the suspect then shot the trooper again, killing him.
A New Castle County police officer responded to the scene and confronted the suspect. Authorities said the officer shot and killed the gunman.
Trooper’s final actions described as heroic
During an evening update, Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William Crotty spoke about the trooper’s actions and the impact of the loss.
“We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband and a father,” Crotty said, adding that the trooper’s final actions were those of a hero who saved lives while sacrificing his own.
Other injuries reported
Authorities also reported several minor injuries during the incident. Police said:
- A 40-year-old woman was taken to a hospital with minor injuries that were not related to gunshots.
- A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and refused transport to the hospital.
- A second state trooper was evaluated for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury and was not transported by EMS.
Scene details and response
Images from inside the DMV showed signs of damage, including what appeared to be a bullet hole in a window. Personal items were also visible scattered inside, reflecting the sudden chaos of the event.
Later, a procession was held as the fallen trooper’s body was moved from Christiana Hospital to the medical examiner’s office in Wilmington. Troopers were seen saluting during the transfer.
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer also commented on the loss, saying the trooper made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Delawareans and that his heart breaks for the trooper’s family.
What we do not know yet
As of the latest official update reported, authorities had not released the names of the trooper, the suspect, or the responding officer. Police also had not publicly shared a motive or details about what led up to the shooting beyond the timeline described above.
In developing situations like this, early reports can change. If you are following updates, look for information that is attributed to official law enforcement statements, press briefings, or confirmed public records.
Safety reminder: what to do if you are near an active threat
Events like this can be frightening, especially when they happen in everyday places like a DMV. If you ever find yourself near a dangerous situation, follow guidance from local authorities. Many emergency agencies teach simple response steps such as:
- Get out if you can: Leave the area quickly and safely if an exit is available.
- Find cover if you cannot leave: Move to a secure place, lock or block doors if possible, and stay quiet.
- Call 911 when safe: Share your location and what you know, but do not take risks to make the call.
- Follow police instructions: Keep hands visible and do exactly what responders ask.
If you are feeling overwhelmed after hearing about a violent incident, consider talking with someone you trust or a trained counselor. If you believe you may harm yourself or someone else, seek immediate help in your area.
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