(Wilmington, Del.-19804) Investigators from the New Castle County Division of Police, Criminal Investigations Unit, have identified the man shot by police during a drug investigation on Monday, March 6th as Andrew Edelmann, a 22-year old male from New Castle, Del.
Officers had specific information that Edelmann was going to be delivering a quantity of illegal drugs in the area of Maryland Avenue and East Reamer Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. yesterday evening. Additionally, officers were aware of the vehicle he would be operating and knew he was at a local business to deliver drugs. Officers located Edelmann inside his vehicle, a Hyundai Santa Fe, in the parking lot of the 7-11 convenience store on Maryland Avenue and attempted to stop and detain him pursuant to the active drug investigation. Officers attempted to apprehend Edelmann, however, he ignored their commands. As Edelmann attempted to evade apprehension, he accelerated his vehicle and drove in the direction of officers. An officer in close proximity to the Santa Fe, discharged their weapon striking both Edelmann and a 21-year-old female passenger. Edelmann and the female passenger were both transported to Christiana Hospital where Edelmann was pronounced deceased. The 21-year-old female passenger remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers recovered illegal drugs from inside of the vehicle and a loaded assault style rifle from the driver’s side floorboard.
This incident is being investigated by the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit, the Division’s Professional Standards Unit, and the Delaware Department of Justice, Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust. The involved officer, a 10-year veteran of the Division, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
The investigations are still in the preliminary stages and remains active and ongoing. Any individual with information or video related to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Lieutenant Justin Breslin of the Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8110 or by email at Justin.Breslin@newcastlede.gov. Information can also be submitted by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.
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