Police: “Cochran then climbed out of a second story window onto the roof of the first floor and fired two gunshots towards two troopers on scene.
VIOLA (DE): Delaware State Police say they have charged a Viola man with attempted murder after they say he engaged in an exchange of gunfire with Troopers.
28-year-old Ronald Cochran of Viola was charged with attempted murder and other related offenses following the officer involved shooting incident.
According to police, Troopers were summoned to 201 East Evens Drive, Viola in reference to a disorderly man with a gun on Wednesday December 30, 2020 just after 5:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, troopers located a witness at the residence who advised the suspect, Ronald Cochran, was inside the bathroom of the residence with a gun stating he was going to shoot up the place., police said.
According to police spokesman Jason Hatchell, “Troopers gave commands to Cochran through an open exterior door to exit the residence, but he fled up the stairs to the second story.”
Hatchell said, “Cochran then climbed out of a second story window onto the roof of the first floor and fired two gunshots towards two troopers on scene. Both troopers, a five year veteran trooper and a one year of service trooper returned fire.”
Hatchell said Cochran then made his way to west side of the residence where he jumped to the ground and ran to the front of the residence. Once at the front of the residence, Cochran pointed his weapon at a third trooper who was covering the front of the residence. The three year service trooper then fired a round towards Cochran., Hatchell said.
While suffering from gunshot wounds from Troopers, Cochran fled to a neighboring residence and laid on the porch of the residence suffering from wounds to the upper extremities., Hatchell said.
According to a release, Troopers quickly responded to that residence and rendered first aid to Cochran who was still in possession of a .40 caliber handgun and had wounds to his right bicep and right shoulder.
Police say no troopers were injured in the incident.
Cochran was released from the hospital and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 3, where he was charged with Attempted Murder 1st Degree (felony) – 2 counts, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (felony), Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (felony) – 3 counts, and Reckless Endangering 1st Degree
Cochran was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on an $168,000.00 cash bond.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of 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 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@state.de.us.
