NOTICE REGARDING NAMES AND PHOTOGRAPHS: Delaware’s House Bill 59, which went into effect on October 21, 2026, limits law enforcement’s release of names and photographs, including mugshots. For adults charged with a crime, this information may be released only when the charge is a felony and disclosure is necessary to protect public safety. Names and photographs may therefore be omitted from this release to comply with state law. The Dover Police Department remains committed to keeping our community informed within these legal requirements.
Incident Number: 50-26-38256
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 at approximately 4:22 P.M.
Location: 500 Block of River Road, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Update: The Dover Police Department has arrested an 18-year-old male suspect in connection with the October 27, 2026 shooting that damaged an occupied residence and a parked vehicle in the 500 Block of River Road. No injuries were reported. City of Dover Police Department
Through the investigation, detectives identified the male as one of the shooting suspects. On October 30, 2026, he was taken into custody during a traffic stop in the area of East Water Street and New Castle Avenue.
The male suspect was committed to SCI on a $29,500 cash bond after being charged with the following offenses:
-Criminal Mischief Under $1,000 (2 counts)
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited
-Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited
-Reckless Endangering First Degree
-Discharge of a Firearm at a Vehicle
Original Narrative:
The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that damaged an occupied residence and an unoccupied vehicle Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 4:22 p.m., officers responded to the 500 Block of River Road for a report of shots fired. The investigation determined that shots were fired from the area of River Road and Sussex Avenue, striking a second-story window of a nearby residence and a parked vehicle. A 10-year-old girl was inside the residence at the time and was not injured. No injuries were reported.
Officers recovered multiple shell casings during a search of the area. The suspects were described as three black males, all wearing dark clothing.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7111.
