(Wilmington, DE 19803) – On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., officers with the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the unit block of Ramsey Road for a report of shots fired within the residence.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the reporting person, who stated that while inside the residence, he heard multiple gunshots and observed his 35-year-old male acquaintance in possession of a handgun. The reporting person, the only other occupant of the residence at the time, immediately fled to safety and called 911. Arriving officers continued to hear gunshots coming from inside the residence.

Due to the circumstances, the Division’s Crisis Management Group, which includes members of the SWAT and Crisis Negotiations Team, was activated and responded to the scene. While on location, members of the group continued to hear multiple gunshots coming from inside the residence. As the situation evolved, officers positioned on the perimeter experienced rounds being fired in their direction.

Officers from the Crisis Management Group employed multiple tactics, including phone calls, text messages, and using a loudspeaker, to attempt to gain voluntary compliance and safely resolve the situation. However, these efforts were met with continued refusal to comply and ongoing gunfire.

At approximately 7:47 p.m., the 35-year-old white male exited the residence, armed himself with a shovel, and began swinging it toward officers. Officers attempted to use multiple less-than-lethal force options, including a Taser energy weapon and non-lethal impact munitions; all were ineffective. The male went back inside the residence, retrieved several knives, and exited the residence, continuing to ignore the officers’ commands.  The male began advancing toward the officers with the knives, at which point several officers discharged their firearms, striking him.

Paramedics on scene provided immediate medical care, but the male was later pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

There were no reported injuries to any officers or other individuals involved in this incident.

All officers involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with New Castle County Division of Police policy.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. In accordance with departmental policy, the Division will conduct an internal investigation in coordination with the Delaware Department of Justice Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Detective Lieutenant Seth Polk of the Criminal Investigations Unit at (302) 395-8112 or Seth.Polk@newcastlede.gov. Information can also be submitted by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at (302) 573-2800.