TOWNSEND, Del. — A 25-year-old Dover man was critically injured in an officer-involved shooting Friday night following a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle that ended north of Fieldsboro Road, according to Delaware State Police.
The incident began around 9:15 p.m. when troopers responded to a report of a stolen white Infiniti QX6 seen traveling along Dupont Highway in Camden. The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier this month in New Castle County. A trooper located the Infiniti in the Walmart parking lot at 263 Walmart Drive, confirmed it was stolen, and attempted a traffic stop.
The driver failed to stop, initiating a pursuit that moved north on Dupont Highway through Dover. Due to the vehicle’s reckless driving and concerns for public safety, the pursuit was temporarily called off. Shortly after, the Infiniti was spotted again near the Dover Mall, prompting a second pursuit that continued onto Route 1 and into the city limits of Smyrna.
Police said the Infiniti collided with another vehicle but did not stop. It continued traveling until becoming disabled north of Fieldsboro Road. No injuries were reported from the crash.
As troopers approached the stopped vehicle, four individuals fled on foot. Police say the driver, described as a Black male, dropped a firearm while exiting but picked it up and fled toward a wooded area. During the chase, a trooper gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop and drop the weapon.
According to the preliminary report, the suspect did not comply, and the trooper discharged his service weapon, striking the man. Troopers rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries.
The three remaining passengers from the stolen Infiniti were located in a wooded area and arrested without further incident.
Per department protocol, the trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave while a use of force investigation is conducted by the Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Justice.
Officials have not released the names of those involved as the investigation remains ongoing.
