MILTON, DE - The Delaware State Police say a suspect was shot and killed by officers on Thursday after allegedly charging towards troopers with a knife during a traffic stop in Sussex County.
On May 1, Delaware State Police say they received reports of a possible impaired driver on Lewes-Georgetown Highway near Harbeson Road just before 4 p.m. 9-1-1 callers said they saw a Ford F-150 driving slowly and swerving into the opposite lane. Responding troopers attempted to stop the truck on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road, but the driver fled and a pursuit ensued, according to police.
Police say the truck finally pulled into a driveway in the area on West Springside Drive in Milton. The driver, holding a knife, ran into a nearby home that he did not live in, according to authorities. The man then exited the home with the knife and approached the two responding troopers, allegedly ignoring commands to drop the weapon.
The responding Delaware State Police troopers then "discharged their firearms, striking the suspect."
First aid was rendered to the suspect, but the man died at the scene. Police say the suspect was a 44-year-old man from Milford. His identity has not yet been released.
Police say the two involved troopers have been placed on administrative leave while a use of force investigation is conducted per Delaware State Police standard operating procedure.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact police at 302-741-2821.
