City of Wilmington
News from the Office of Police Chief Michael J. Szczerba
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 11:01 a.m.
Contact:
M/Sgt. Mark Lemon
Wilmington Police Headquarters
300 N. Walnut Street
(302) 521-5272
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at approximately 10:00 p.m., a 5 year veteran of the Wilmington Police and a 17 month officer were on routine patrol in the 1500 block of W. 5th Street when they observed an individual later identified as Phillip Purnell, a 38 year old city resident, firing a handgun. Officers immediately confronted Purnell who then fired at both officers. Officers then returned fire. After a brief gun battle with Purnell, he was able to be taken into custody by the officers without further incident. Neither Purnell nor the officers were injured as a result of this incident.
Subsequently, Wilmington Police Detectives have charged Phillip Purnell with two counts of Attempted Murder First Degree, three counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and one count of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by Person Prohibited.
Bail has been set at $685,000.00.
Both officers have been placed on Administrative Duty pending an investigation.
At this time, Wilmington Police detectives are asking anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Wilmington Police detectives at (302) 576-3620 or Detective Sergeant Stephen Misetic at (302) 576-3655.
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