VIOLA, DE – Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Ronald Cochran of Viola, for attempted murder and related charges following an officer involved shooting incident Wednesday night.
On December 30, 2020, at approximately 5:32 p.m., troopers were dispatched to 201 East Evens Drive, Viola in reference to a disorderly subject with a gun. Upon arrival, troopers located a witness at the residence who advised the suspect, Ronald Cochran, was inside the bathroom of the residence with a gun stating he was going to shoot up the place. Troopers gave commands to Cochran through an open exterior door to exit the residence, but he fled up the stairs to the second story.
Cochran then climbed out of a second story window onto the roof of the first floor and fired two gunshots towards two troopers on scene. Both troopers, a five year veteran trooper and a one year of service trooper returned fire. Cochran made his way to west side of the residence where he jumped to the ground and ran to the front of the residence. Once at the front of the residence, Cochran pointed his weapon at a third trooper who was covering the front of the residence. The three years of service trooper then fired a round towards Cochran. Cochran fled to a residence approximately 100 yards from 201 East Evens Drive and laid on the porch of the residence suffering from gunshots wounds to the upper extremities.
Troopers quickly responded to that residence and rendered first aid to Cochran. Upon contact, troopers discovered Cochran was still in possession of a .40 caliber handgun. Cochran suffered gunshot wounds to the right bicep and right shoulder. He was treated and released from an area hospital.
No troopers were injured in the incident.
Cochran was released from the hospital and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3, where he was charged with the following crimes:
Attempted Murder 1st Degree (felony) – 2 counts
Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (felony)
Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (felony) – 3 counts
Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
Cochran was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $168,000.00 cash bond.
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 Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hou