Delaware State Police Investigating Lewes Officer-Involved Shooting

A shooting involving an officer that took place late Sunday night in Lewes is being investigated by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.

The troopers were sent to the residence of a 49 year old armed man in the 32000 Block of Cea Dag Circle, Dagsboro, to see if he was still alive. He had made threats against himself and his family. Jason Arnold was identified as the man.

While responding to the call, troopers discovered that Arnold was likely driving a black Honda Pilot on his way home to Lewes. A Millsboro Police Department officer spotted the vehicle and tried to stop it. A pursuit with a trooper ensued after the Honda refused to stop. The pursuit ended at Blackwood Drive.

Arnold was armed with a gun and fired at the officers after stopping his Honda on Blackwood Drive. The Millsboro police officer and trooper both returned fire. Arnold was wounded during the exchange, but ran to his family’s home on Blackwood Drive.

Over the course of several hours, the Special Operations Response Team (SOR) and Crisis Management Team (CMT) of the Delaware State Police attempted to negotiate Arnold’s surrender. Officers entered the house and found Arnold’s body dead. It appeared that he had self-inflicted a gunshot to his upper body. He was declared dead on the spot. His family was notified.

A 69-year old woman from a nearby home suffered minor injuries during the incident. At this time, it is not clear if her injuries are directly linked to the exchange of firearms. She was treated in a local hospital, and then released. There were no other reported injuries.

According to Delaware State Police operating procedures, the trooper in question has been placed on leave administratively pending the results of an investigation into the use of force conducted jointly with the Delaware Department of Justice. The Millsboro Police Department will also follow its own protocol.

Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information relevant to the case to call Detective M. Csapo on (302) 741-2729. You can also provide information by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers on 1-800-TIP-3333.

You can reach the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/ Delaware Victim Center 24 hours a days by calling 1-800-VICTIM-1 (800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

The article Delaware State Police Investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting In Lewes first appeared on Delaware State Police State of Delaware.