UPDATED: DSP Identify Man who Died in Officer-Involved Shooting after Traffic Stop South of Milton

UPDATED – 05/05/25 – Delaware State Police have identified 44 year old Gregory Painter of Milford, Delaware, as the man who died in the officer-involved shooting that occurred in Milton on Thursday, May 1st. 

Per Delaware State Police standard operating procedures, the troopers involved have been placed on administrative leave while a use-of-force investigation is conducted in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice.

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UPDATED – 12:15pm – A traffic stop in Milton turned deadly after the driver charged troopers with a knife. Delaware State Police tell the Talk of Delmarva that the trooper attempted to stop a suspected impaired driver who failed to stop – then pulled into a driveway on West Springside Drive south of Milton. Investigation shows the driver got out of his pickup with a knife and ignored troopers commands to drop the weapon and advanced toward the troopers. Both troopers fired at the suspect who was struck.

First aid was rendered until EMS arrived, but the suspect, a 44 year old Milford man, was pronounced dead. The troopers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation in conjunction with the DOJ.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective McDerby at 302-741-2821 or Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating this incident.