City of Wilmington
News from the Office of Police Chief Michael J. Szczerba
For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 7, 2010, 11:14 p.m.
Contact:
M/Sgt. Steven H. Barnes
Wilmington Police Headquarters
300 N. Walnut Street
(302) 576-3162
This evening, Thursday, January 7, 2010, at approximately 9:41 p.m., Wilmington Police were called to the 300 block of Jefferson Street in regards to shots being fired. Arriving officers located a shooting victim, preliminarily identified as a 21 year old New Castle County resident, lying on the sidewalk on the north side of the 500 block of W. 4th Street. He was struck at least once in the chest. Less than a block away, on the east side of the 300 block of Jefferson Street, officers located a vehicle which was damaged by gunfire. The early investigation reveals that the victim was sitting in the vehicle when an unknown person(s) opened fire on him. He apparently exited the vehicle, crossed 4th Street in a northerly direction and collapsed on the sidewalk where the officers located him. The victim was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:00 p.m.
At this time there are reports of three undescribed subjects running from the scene, but there is no available suspect information. The investigation is in the very early stages and is continuing.
The victim’s identity will be released as information becomes available and after family has been notified.
Anyone with information regarding this crime, please contact Detective Randall Nowell at (302) 576-3632. Callers may remain anonymous.
Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tiplines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
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