Delaware State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a 44-year-old Milford man dead Thursday afternoon following a vehicle pursuit and armed confrontation in Milton.

The incident began around 3:56 p.m. on May 1, when troopers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a possible impaired driver on Lewes-Georgetown Highway near Harbeson Road. Witnesses reported that a red Ford F-150 was swerving into oncoming traffic and driving erratically on the shoulder.

Troopers located the vehicle on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to stop, initiating a pursuit through area roads. The vehicle eventually stopped in a driveway on the 28000 block of West Springside Drive in the Cool Spring Farms community.

According to police, the suspect exited the truck holding a knife and ran into a nearby occupied residence that he did not live in. He soon exited the home, still armed with the knife, and ignored repeated commands from troopers to stop and drop the weapon.

Suspect shot after advancing on troopers with weapon

Police said the suspect advanced toward the troopers, prompting both officers to fire their service weapons. The suspect was struck, and troopers immediately administered first aid until emergency medical responders arrived.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, as is standard in all officer-involved shootings. No troopers were injured in the incident.

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