NEW CASTLE, DE — A man died Tuesday evening after an officer-involved shooting following a prolonged standoff with police at a residence in the unit block of Ramsey Road, according to the New Castle County Division of Police.
Police said officers responded around 3:50 p.m. on March 3 after receiving a report of gunfire inside the home. According to investigators, the caller told officers he heard multiple gunshots while inside the residence and saw a 35-year-old male acquaintance holding a handgun. Police said the caller, described as the only other occupant of the home, fled the residence and called 911.
Responding officers reported that they continued hearing gunshots coming from inside the home upon arrival.
According to police, the Division’s Crisis Management Group — which includes members of the SWAT team and Crisis Negotiations Team — was activated and responded to the scene. Investigators said officers positioned around the residence allegedly experienced gunfire directed toward them as the situation developed.
Police reported that crisis negotiators attempted to contact the man through phone calls, text messages, and loudspeaker announcements in an effort to gain voluntary compliance. According to investigators, those attempts were unsuccessful and gunfire from inside the residence continued.
Authorities said that at about 7:47 p.m., the man exited the residence armed with a shovel and began swinging it toward officers. Police said officers attempted several less-than-lethal options, including a Taser and non-lethal impact munitions, but those attempts were ineffective.
According to investigators, the man then reentered the home, returned outside carrying several knives, and allegedly advanced toward officers while ignoring commands to stop. Police said multiple officers then discharged their firearms, striking the man.
Paramedics at the scene provided medical treatment, but the man was later pronounced dead, police reported. Authorities said his identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police said no officers or other individuals were injured during the incident.
According to the department, all officers involved have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with agency policy.
Police said the incident remains under investigation. Authorities reported that the New Castle County Division of Police will conduct an internal review in coordination with the Delaware Department of Justice Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Lt. Seth Polk of the Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8112 or Seth.Polk@newcastlede.gov. Tips may also be provided through the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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