TOWNSEND, Del.- A 25-year-old Dover man is in critical condition after being shot by Delaware State Police during a chase involving a stolen car Friday night.
The incident began around 9:15 p.m. when troopers responded to a report of a stolen Infiniti spotted near the Walmart in Camden.
Police say when a trooper tried to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, leading police on a high-speed chase through Dover. The pursuit was called off for safety reasons, but troopers spotted the car again near the Dover Mall.
Police say the car eventually crashed in Smyrna, then kept going until it became disabled north of Fieldsboro Road. The driver and three passengers ran from the scene.
According to investigators, the driver dropped a gun while getting out of the car, picked it up, and ran toward a wooded area. Police say the trooper gave commands to stop and drop the weapon, but the suspect did not comply. The trooper then shot the man.
Troopers gave first aid until paramedics arrived. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The three passengers were found in a wooded area and arrested.
The trooper involved has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. The Delaware Department of Justice is investigating the use of force.
Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 302-741-2703 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.