UPDATE: Two Arrested in September South Governors Avenue Shooting 11-3-26
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: 50-26-34253
Date/Time: Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at approximately 1:45 P.M.
Location: Unit Block of South Governors, Dover, DE
Contact: Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Lieutenant Mark Hoffman Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us
Update: The Dover Police Department is announcing the arrests of two male suspects, ages 19 and 20, in connection with the September 26, 2026 shooting on South Governors Avenue.
During the incident, two suspects exited a vehicle and fired several rounds toward two individuals standing on a porch. A nearby residence was struck by gunfire while a 59-year-old man was sleeping inside.
On September 28, 2026, a 20-year-old male suspect was taken into custody in Wilmington during a coordinated operation involving the FBI, ATF, Dover Police Department, Wilmington Police Department, Probation and Parole, and other assisting agencies. He was charged with:
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (2 counts)
- Reckless Endangering First Degree (3 counts)
- Conspiracy Second Degree
- Discharging a Firearm at a Dwelling
- Criminal Mischief Over $1,000
The 20-year-old suspect was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $67,000 cash bond.
On November 2, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Wilmington Police notified Dover Police that the 19-year-old male suspect had also been taken into custody. He was charged with: - 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 (3 counts)
- Discharging a Firearm at a Dwelling
- Criminal Mischief Over $1,000
The 19-year-old suspect was processed and arraigned at the Wilmington Police Department and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $105,000 cash bail.
All suspects in this incident have been taken into custody at this time.
Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon on the Unit Block of South Governors Avenue. At approximately 1:45 p.m., officers responded to the area for a report of shots fired. The investigation determined that two male suspects exited a silver sedan and fired several rounds toward two individuals standing on a porch. As a result of the incident, a residence was struck by gunfire. A 59-year-old Dover man was sleeping inside near where the bullet struck. Both suspects fled on foot. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7111.