DOVER, DE – The Dover Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into a shooting involving one of its officers. The incident took place on the 400 block of Sussex Avenue. At approximately 8:37 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2023, the Dover Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a report of a trespassing complaint. The complainant stated that a female individual was refusing to leave a residence.
Upon receiving the dispatch, officers were sent to the location. The first officers to arrive at the scene witnessed a disturbance between an adult female and an adult male. This occurred in the middle of the block, near the address that was reported. The male suspect was found to be in possession of a handgun and discharged the weapon in the presence of the police.
Despite commands given by the officers, the suspect, identified as a 37-year-old resident of Dover, did not comply. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the situation and the imminent threat to life, the officers took action and fired at the suspect. Immediately following the shooting, the officers provided aid to the suspect and requested emergency medical assistance.
The injured suspect was subsequently transported to Bay Health Kent Campus in serious condition for further medical treatment. A handgun was discovered on the ground next to the suspect’s location. Additional units that responded to the incident confirmed that there were no other victims and no ongoing threat to public safety.
The officer involved in the shooting is a 2 ½ year veteran of the Dover Police Department and serves in the Patrol Division. As per standard policy in officer-involved shootings, the officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the conclusion of the investigation. The Dover Police Department will continue to work alongside the Delaware Department of Justice – Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust during the investigation. Further details will be provided as they become available.