Suspect shot by police after pursuit and crash in Delaware; investigation underway

A man is in critical condition after being shot by an officer in Delaware late Friday night following a chase involving a stolen vehicle, police said.

According to Delaware State Police, on May 9, 2025, at around 9:15 p.m., troopers responded to Dupont Highway in Camden for a report of a stolen white Infiniti QX6 traveling in the area.

We can confirm this was an officer involved shooting. The suspect was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. The scene remains active, and additional updates will be provided via a news release. We appreciate the public’s continued patience and ask that you…

— Delaware State Police (@DEStatePolice) May 10, 2025

Police said a trooper found the Infiniti at Walmart, located at 263 Walmart Drive in Camden, and confirmed the vehicle had been stolen earlier this month.

The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver of the Infiniti failed to stop. Police said the Infiniti then fled at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner on Dupont Highway in Dover.

Police said troopers ended the pursuit out of concern for the safety of the public. However, a short time later, police said a trooper saw the Infiniti traveling northbound on Dupont Highway near the Dover Mall and attempted to pull it over, but it again took off, and a police chase continued.

According to police, the Infiniti exited Dupont Highway and traveled northbound on Route 1 as it continued traveling at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner. The Infiniti then exited Route 1 and entered the city limits of Smyrna, where it collided with another vehicle.

Police said the driver of the Infiniti did not stop once again. They continued northbound on Dupont Highway until they eventually came to a stop north of Fieldsboro Road after becoming disabled.

According to police, the preliminary investigation revealed that after the Infiniti came to a stop, the driver and three passengers began fleeing on foot from the stolen vehicle as a trooper was approaching them.

While approaching the Infiniti, the trooper observed the driver drop a gun in the roadway as he exited the vehicle, police said. The driver picked up the gun and fled on foot towards a line of trees.

Police said the trooper then gave verbal commands for the suspect to stop and drop the weapon, but the suspect did not comply. That's when the trooper discharged his gun, striking the suspect.

Troopers rendered first aid until emergency medical services arrived, police said. The suspect -- a 25-year-old man from Dover, Delaware -- was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.

The other three passengers of the vehicle were found in the woods nearby and taken into custody without incident, police said. No one was hurt during the collision.

Police said the trooper who fired at the suspect has been placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703.