WILMINGTON, DE — Multiple investigations are underway after a Wilmington police officer fatally shot a 19-year-old man during a foot pursuit last week, authorities said.
According to Wilmington Police, officers on patrol in the area of 24th and Jessup streets at about 11:12 p.m. Wednesday observed a large crowd gathered in the area. Police reported that officers then saw a man, later identified as Kadir Skinner, 19, of Wilmington, exit a residence while allegedly armed with a handgun and point the weapon toward the crowd.
Police said officers approached Skinner, who allegedly fled on foot. During the ensuing chase, an officer discharged a department-issued firearm, striking Skinner.
According to investigators, Skinner was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said a loaded firearm was recovered at the scene. The officer involved was not injured.
In an update released Thursday, Wilmington Police identified the deceased as Skinner and said the incident remains under investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Office of Professional Standards and the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.
In accordance with department policy, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave.
“We understand that our community has questions following last week’s officer-involved shooting, and I can assure you that we are working diligently to understand everything that occurred,” Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said in a statement.
Campos noted that the case is being reviewed by multiple agencies, including internal investigators and state authorities.
“I join Mayor Carney in asking the public for patience as these investigations continue,” Campos said. “We owe it to everyone involved – and every resident of Wilmington – to conduct a thorough investigation and to ensure that we have an accurate understanding of everything that occurred last week.”
The chief also urged anyone who may have information or video related to the incident to contact investigators.
“We encourage anyone with information or who may have video capturing any portion of this incident to come forward to assist investigators with WPD and the Department of Justice, and I assure you that the facts of this case will be shared publicly following the conclusion of these thorough investigations,” Campos said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Robert Fox at 302-576-3625.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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