SUSSEX COUNTY, DE – A suspect is confirmed dead after a hours-long standoff with officers in Lewes on Monday.
On Sunday, June 22nd, at approximately 11:00 p.m., troopers from the Delaware State Police were dispatched to a residence in the 32000 block of Cea Dag Circle in Dagsboro, Delaware. DSP say they were "dispatched to check on the welfare of a 49-year-old armed man who made threats to harm himself and his family". DSP identified the suspect as Jason Arnold.
While responding to the call, troopers learned that Arnold was driving a black Honda Pilot and was possibly on his way to a family home on Blackwood Drive in Lewes. According to state police, a Millsboro Police Department officer spotted a vehicle matching the description in the town's limits and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop, and a pursuit started with the assistance of a trooper.
According to DSP, the pursuit ended on Blackwood Drive in Lewes. An investigation revealed that after stopping at the location, Arnold got out of the Honda Pilot and was armed with a firearm and began shooting at the officers. DSP says the officer from Millsboro and the state trooper returned the gunfire at Arnold. Arnold was hit during the exchange but ran into his family's house on Blackwood Drive.
DSP made the announcement online at 1:47 a.m., saying, "Large police presence on Blackwood Drive in Lewes as troopers are searching for an armed white male suspect in an officer-involved shooting". Around 5:30 a.m. they updated the alert saying the suspect had not yet been apprehended. Those in the area were urged to remain vigilant and anyone with information was asked to call 911.
Members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team and the Crisis Management Team attempted to negotiate Arnold’s surrender over the next several hours. DSP say officers eventually entered the home. WBOC's Chopper 16 was overhead as police breached the property and entered.
According to Delaware State Police, once inside the home, law enforcement found Arnold dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. DSP tells WBOC an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
Authorities say a 69-year-old woman in a neighboring home was injured during the exchange. She was treated at a local hospital and released.
DSP say per standard operating procedures, "the trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a use-of-force investigation conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice". The officer involved from the Millsboro Police Department will also follow their departmental protocol.
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
