New Castle, Delaware - An 18-year veteran of the New Castle County Police Department was killed early Friday morning during a confrontation with a suspect in the community of Penn Acres in New Castle. Penn Acres is about 18 miles east of Elkton.The incident occurred around midnight after police were called to the area for the report of a disorderly subject. As the officer was taking the suspect into custody, he was fatally wounded. The officer was immediately taken to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect is currently in police custody.
The officer, whose name has not been released, was reportedly stabbed in the incident, according to WDEL Radio.
New Castle County Executive Paul Clark issued the following statement:
"Overnight I received a phone call that no one should ever have to receive. It was with extreme shock, sadness and regret that I learned of the senseless killing of one of our county police officers in the line of duty. I met with members of his family, conveyed my profound condolences to them and assured them of my prayers and support in the difficult days ahead. My deepest sympathies go out to the family, to his fellow officers, and to all who knew him. We mourn the loss of this brave and dedicated public servant, and I ask everyone to pray for him and his loved ones. This tragic event is a grim reminder of the danger our police men and women - along with our paramedics and other first responders -- put themselves in every day to protect their fellow citizens. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude for putting their lives on the line for us."
