2 Delaware State Troopers shoot, kill alleged shoplifter attempting to flee in New Castle
NEW CASTLE, Del. (CBS) -- Two state troopers shot and killed a 28-year-old man accused of shoplifting at a Lowe's hardware store in New Castle on Thursday morning, Delaware State Police said. The incident happened shortly before 7:30 a.m. at the store located in the 2200 block of Hessler Boulevard.
"Today is a tough day for many people. A family lost a loved one, two troopers were injured and a whole community had been impacted by a serious incident," Delaware State Police Sgt. Leonard Demalto said.
State police said in a news release that troopers responded to a shoplifting call and allegedly saw the man, a known fugitive according to police, leaving the store with a shopping cart full of items.
According to state police, the man got into a car parked behind the Lowe's after the troopers contacted him and attempted to drive away. The man allegedly struck an unmarked state police cruiser.
State police claimed the man failed to comply with "multiple commands to stop" and resisted when the troopers tried to remove him from the car.
The troopers then shot the man after he continued to drive away, state police said.
"Troopers shot the man when he continued to drive in a manner that placed officers in imminent danger," Demalto said.
The troopers rendered aid on the scene until the man was rushed to the area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The man's identity has not been released until state police can contact his family.
State police said the two troopers have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
The two troopers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were released from the hospital, state police said.
Customers were shocked to find out that a known fugitive was shot and killed by Delaware State Troopers after they say he attempted to steal from a home improvement store.
"I don't comprehend all the crime that's going on," Jenny Scales said. "It's disgusting."
While the deadly incident scared some from shopping in the area, others weren't deterred by it.
"I'm not fearful. I'm going to do what I do, go where I go," Celia Burton said.