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Dover Police Investigate Officer Involved Shooting On Sussex Avenue

Incident Number: 50-23-18550

Date/Time: Sunday, June 11th, 2023 at 8:37 p.m.

Location: 400 Block of Sussex Ave, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: Ryan.Schmid@cj.state.de.us

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating an Officer-involved shooting that occurred on the 400 block of Sussex Avenue.  Shortly after 8:37 p.m., on Sunday, June 11, 2023, the Dover Police Department Emergency Communications Center dispatched Officers to a trespassing complaint where it was reported that a female was refusing to leave a residence.  First arriving Officers observed a disturbance between an adult female and an adult male, in the middle of the block, in proximity to the dispatched address.  The male was in possession of a handgun and discharged the weapon in the presence of police.  The suspect, a 37 year old Dover resident, did not comply with officer commands following the weapons discharge. 

In the rapidly evolving incident, in response to an imminent threat to life, the suspect was shot by police.  Officers immediately rendered aid to the suspect and called for emergency medical assistance.  The suspect was transported to Bay Health Kent Campus, in serious condition, for further treatment of his injury.  A handgun was recovered from the ground directly next to where the suspect was located.  Additional responding units were able to determine that there were no other victims and no additional threat to public safety.

The Officer involved in the shooting is a 2 ½ year veteran of the Dover Police Department and is a member of the Patrol Division.  Consistent with standard policy for all officer-involved shootings, the Officer has been placed on administrative leave, with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation.  The Dover Police Department will continue to investigate this incident in coordination with the Delaware Department of Justice – Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust and will provide additional details as they become available.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com 

Media should direct questions to M/Cpl Ryan Schmid via email at ryan.schmid@cj.state.de.us

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Dover Police Victim Services Unit is available to provide help and guidance.  You can contact the Victim Services Unit at 302-736-7134 or by email at: Diane.Glenn@cj.state.de.us

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