Day: April 18, 2018

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-12410

Date/Time:   Tuesday, April 17th, 2018 at 8:48PM

Location:   400 Block of East Water Street, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Thursday, April 17th at approximately 8:48PM.  Officers responded to the area in reference to shots being fired.  Upon arrival, officers learned that two homes in the 400 Block of East Water Street had been struck, but no residents were injured.  Several shell casings were found in the area, but no other information is available at this time.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on-line at http://www.tipsubmit.com.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-18-11918/12339

Date/Time:   Tuesday, April 17th, 2018 at 5:30PM

Location:   Unit Block of Ann Avenue, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:   M/Cpl. Mark Hoffman, Public Information Officer

Narrative: 

The Dover Police Department charged David Austin (23) in two shooting incidents, after he fired at a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.  At approximately 5:30PM, officers responded to the unit block of Ann Avenue for a shots fired call.  Upon arrival, officers learned that the male victim was driving on Ann Avenue, when several shots were fired at his vehicle, causing damage, but no injuries.  Further investigation by officers led to David Austin being identified as the suspect in the shooting and in the April 13th, 2018 shooting in the area of William Street and Pear Street.

Members of the Dover Police Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit (DVOC) then conducted surveillance in the area to locate Austin.  At approximately 10:30PM, officers attempted to contact Austin and he fled on foot.  During the chase, Austin pulled a loaded 9mm handgun from his waistband and threw it before surrendering to officers.  Austin was then taken into custody without incident.

Austin was committed to JTVCC in default of $41,500 secured bond on the following offenses:
April 13th, 2018 Shooting Incident:
-Reckless Endangering 2nd Degree (5x)

April 17th, 2018 Shooting Incident:
-Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
-Criminal Mischief
-Possession of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited

April 17th, 2018 Arrest:
-Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited
-Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon
-Resisting Arrest