(Wilmington, De 19804) On March 6, 2023, members of the New Castle County Division of Police were investigating a drug complaint in the area of Maryland Avenue and East Reamer Avenue. During the course of that investigation, members of the Division’s Mobile Enforcement Team (MET) arranged to meet a male, later identified as Andrew Edelmann, to conduct a drug transaction. While attempting to apprehend the individual involved, a member of the New Castle County Division of Police discharged their firearm, striking Mr. Edelmann; he died from those injuries.  The second occupant of the vehicle, a female, was also struck and suffered a non-life-threatening injury.

Since 2015, members of the Division have been equipped with body-worn cameras to be worn while on patrol within New Castle County. The officers involved in the incident on March 6, 2023, were wearing body-worn cameras. They were activated and captured the encounter between Mr. Edelmann and the members of the Division.

The New Castle County Division of Police is governed by public-facing regulations referred to as “Directives.” According to the Critical Incident Community Briefing Policy (Directive 46, Appendix 46H), the family of the individual involved in the critical incident, in this case, Mr. Edelmann’s family, has an opportunity to view and opine on the release of any video associated with the encounter between their next-of-kin and the members of the Division. After meeting with Mr. Edelmann’s family representatives, the Division has chosen not to release any body-worn camera footage from March 6, 2023. The Division remains committed to transparency and promptly providing the public with information; however, we must balance that commitment with the wishes of the individual’s family. Notwithstanding this decision, protocol dictates that all body-worn camera footage be released by the Department of Justice – Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust at the conclusion of their investigation.

Media inquiries can be directed to Lt. James Leonard at 302-383-5417.

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Wilmington (19803) On September 16, 2022, at approximately 9:35 pm, members of the New Castle County Division of Police were called to assist the Delaware State Police with a large fight occurring at Brandywine High School. Due to the size of the crowd, numerous officers from the agency responded and assisted in detaining four (4) juvenile females. These four (4) females were turned over to the Delaware State Police where criminal charges were filed against each of them.

Today, October 4, 2022, the New Castle County Police is releasing a video that addresses this incident.

The video, for which the link is listed below, is comprised of the following information

• A synopsis of the incident
• Recordings of three (3) 911 calls to the New Castle County Emergency Communications Center
• Recording of New Castle County Police radio transmissions
• Body camera footage of the incident from the perspective of four (4) different officers (including slow motion video)

Link to video: https://youtu.be/DGSQ8tr1iew

As you will see mentioned in the video, this investigation remains active with our agency. Anyone wishing to share information about the incident is asked to contact the New Castle County Division of Police Non-Emergency Line at 302-573-2800 or the Office of Professional Standards at 302-395-8008.

Media inquiries should be directed to Lt. James Leonard at james.leonard@newcastlede.gov or via phone at (302)383-5417.

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(Wilmington, De 19808) On Sunday, September 25, 2022 at approximately 0905 hours, members of the New Castle County Division of Police were called to the unit block of Beehler Court in the community of Arundel for a report of a subject struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 46-year-old male pinned underneath a 2004 Ford F-350 pick up truck. Officers and paramedics from the New Castle County Division of Emergency Medical Services attempted to resuscitate the male however, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the male was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Sciences.

Detectives from the Division’s Criminal Investigations Unit and Traffic Services Unit were called to the scene. The initial investigation revealed that the male exited the truck while it was still in gear and the vehicle struck him, causing him to be pinned beneath the truck.

This incident remains under investigation by the New Castle County Division of Police Traffic Services Unit.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a violent crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the New Castle County Division of Police Victim Services Unit/ is available to offer you support and resources through (302)-395-8000.

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