Delaware State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Milton yesterday afternoon.

On May 1, 2025, at approximately 3:56 p.m., troopers responded to Lewes-Georgetown Highway near Harbeson Road for reports of a possible impaired driver after several 9-1-1 calls from witnesses. Prior to arrival, dispatchers advised troopers that a red Ford F-150 was seen driving at a slow speed, swerving into the opposite lane of travel, and driving on the shoulder.

Troopers located the vehicle on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued on area roads. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in a driveway on the 28000 block of West Springside Drive in the community of Cool Spring Farms. The white male suspect exited the vehicle, with a knife, and ran into a nearby occupied home that he did not reside in.

He then exited the home with the knife. Troopers gave repeated verbal commands for him to stop and drop the weapon. The suspect ignored these commands and continued to advance toward the troopers. As a result, both troopers discharged their divisionally issued handguns, striking the suspect.

Troopers immediately rendered first aid until emergency medical services arrived. The suspect, a 44-year-old man from Milford, Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until family is notified.

Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the involved troopers have been placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident and asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by calling 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov