A suicidal man displaying a handgun outside a residence was shot by a trooper Friday evening outside his residence in Lewes.
UPDATE/LEWES (DE) 12/01/19 12:09 Pm.: Police now say that around 8:22 pm., troopers responded to the 300 block of E. Savannah Rd., in Lewes to assist Lewes Police Department with a man with a gun who was threatening suicide.
The 46 year old male suspect was standing in the driveway of the residence at 300 E. Savannah Rd. in Lewes holding a handgun, and making suicidal statements when troopers arrived.
According to police spokesman, Michael Austin, “Communication was established with the suspect, who on two different occasions during the dialogue, placed the weapon on the ground.”
Unfortunately, the man picked up the weapon in spite of multiple commands from the officers not to do so. Once he was in possession of the weapon he then pointed the weapon at the officers and as a result of doing so, one of the officers, a Delaware State Trooper discharged his divisional issued patrol rifle, striking the man in the upper torso.
Austin said, “emergency medical care was immediately initiated by the officers on scene with the suspect subsequently being transported to Beebe Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”
Identification is pending the notification of next of kin., Austin said.
The Trooper involved in the shooting is assigned to Troop 7 in Lewes and has been employed by the Delaware State Police for 5 years. He has been placed on administrative leave as per Divisional policy., Austin said.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
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Previously
LEWES (DE): Police say around 8:15 p.m., Friday troopers were dispatched to the 300 block of E. Savannah Rd., in Lewes for a man who was armed and threatening suicide.
According to police spokesman, Michael Austin, “while communicating with the 47 year old male subject who was outside the residence he displayed a handgun at which time a Trooper discharged his weapon striking the subject.”
The unidentified man was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Police say that E. Savannah Rd. is closed between Cedar St. and Massachusetts Ave.
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