UPDATED: DSP Find Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting Dead in Lewes-area Residence
Image courtesy DSP
UPDATED – 8pm – Delaware State Police were called to a home in Dagsboro Sunday night around 11 to check on the welfare of a 49 year old man, Jason Arnold, who was armed and making threats to harm himself and his family. Police then learned Arnold was driving towards the family home on Blackwood Drive in the Lochwood development near Lewes.
A Millsboro officer spotted Arnold’s vehicle in Millsboro and attempted a traffic stop, but Arnold kept driving and a pursuit began with the Millsboro officer and State Police – and ended on Blackwood Drive where Arnold got out of his vehicle and began shooting at the Millsboro officer and trooper who both returned fire. Police say Arnold was struck – but ran into the family house on Blackwood Drive where DSP Special Operations Response Team and the Crisis Management Team tried to get him to surrender. Police eventually went into the house and found Arnold dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
During the incident – a 69 year old woman in a neighboring home sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital and released. Police say it’s not clear if her injuries were related to the exchange of gunfire.
The trooper has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a use-of-force investigation conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice. The Millsboro Police Department officer involved will also follow their departmental protocol.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on this incident should contact Detective Csapo at (302) 741-2729 or Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
================================
UPDATED – 11:30am – Delaware State Police found the suspect inside a residence on Blackwood Drive around 11:30am. Police have secured the scene and there is no threat to the public.
Police say that during the incident a 69-year-old woman in a neighboring home was injured. It is unclear at this time whether her injury was directly related to the exchange of gunfire. She was treated at a local hospital and has been released.
This remains an active investigation.
================================
UPDATED – 10:35am – Delaware State Police have reason to believe the armed suspect may be barricaded alone inside a residence on Blackwood Drive; however, this has not been confirmed. Troopers remain on scene, and the area is still active.
Please continue to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity to 911.
================================
UPDATED – 8:15am – June 23, 2025, at approximately 8:09 a.m., the suspect at-large has been identified as Jason Arnold, about 5’10” tall and weighing 230 lbs. He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt, and dark shorts. He was last seen fleeing in the area of Blackwood Drive. Arnold is believed to be armed. If seen, please immediately call 9-1-1, and do not approach him
================================
UPDATED – 7:30am – At this time, there are no new developments to report. The scene remains active as troopers continue their search. We appreciate the public’s patience, and urge residents to remain alert. If you see anything suspicious, call 9-1-1
=============================
ORIGINAL STORY – Dorman Road in the Angola area is closed between Route 24 and Conley Chapel Road as police are searching for an armed white male in connection with an officer-involved shooting – no officers have been injured. Residents in the area of Blackwood Drive should remain vigilant and avoid the area. Call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious or have information.
This area has been blocked off by police and DelDOT since early Monday morning.
At 5:30 this morning the search was continuing.