Crime
Delaware State Trooper Matthew Tyler Snook Killed in Wilmington DMV Shooting
Authorities have identified the suspect in the fatal shooting at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles facility in Wilmington as 44-year-old Avery Young.
Officials said Young was the individual who opened fire during the incident, which resulted in the death of Delaware State Trooper Matthew Tyler Snook and ultimately Young’s own death.
Law enforcement noted that identifying details released at this stage are part of the preliminary factual record of the investigation.
Delaware State Police reported that a second trooper sustained a minor injury that was not caused by gunfire.
In addition, a 40-year-old woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor, non-gunshot-related injuries.
The shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon at the DMV located on Hessler Boulevard in the Minquadale area of New Castle County.
Initial calls described an active shooter situation, prompting an immediate and extensive response from local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, as well as fire and emergency medical personnel.
Governor Matt Meyer addressed the incident in a public statement, saying that law enforcement officers “acted swiftly to secure the scene” and confirming that the suspect was pronounced dead.
Authorities later confirmed that Trooper Snook was killed in the line of duty during the confrontation.
Emergency radio communications indicated that shortly after 2:00 p.m., command staff reported two individuals down at the scene.
Emergency medical services advised that CPR was being administered to two patients, one of whom was believed to be the shooter.
Subsequent updates clarified that there were two primary trauma patients.
Additional non-trauma medical responses were also required, including aid for an individual who had fallen and another person experiencing breathing difficulties amid the unfolding incident.
The Delaware Department of Justice released a statement through spokesperson Mat Marshall, noting that the Attorney General is in direct communication with Delaware State Police and Governor Meyer.
Senior prosecutors were dispatched to the scene on Hessler Boulevard to assist with the investigation.
The department stated it would defer to State Police regarding the release of investigative details and requested patience from the media and the public as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The statement also expressed support for the Delaware State Police and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, adding that prayers are with the law enforcement community.
As a result of the incident, the Wilmington DMV location on Hessler Boulevard remains closed until further notice.
All services at that facility have been suspended, and residents are being directed to the Delaware City DMV for motor vehicle services.
Hessler Boulevard was closed for an extended period, and portions of Route 13 south of Interstate 495 were temporarily shut down as police activity continued. Authorities urged motorists and residents to avoid the area.
Officials have not yet released detailed information about what led up to the shooting.
The investigation remains active, and law enforcement has stated that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Crime
Wilmington DMV Shooting Suspect Identified as Avery Young in Fatal Attack on Delaware State Trooper
Authorities have identified the suspect involved in the fatal shooting at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles facility in Wilmington as 44-year-old Avery Young.
Young, described by officials as a Black male, was the individual who opened fire during the incident that resulted in the death of a responding Delaware State Trooper as well as his own death.
Officials have noted this identifying information as part of the preliminary factual record of the case.
Police say another trooper sustained a minor, non-gunshot-related injury.
A 40-year-old woman was taken to an area hospital for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries.
A 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and refused transport to the hospital.
The shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon at the DMV located on Hessler Boulevard in the Minquadale area of New Castle County, according to Delaware State Police.
Initial reports indicated an active shooter situation, prompting a rapid and large-scale response from local, state, and county law enforcement agencies, along with fire and emergency medical personnel.
Governor Matt Meyer confirmed in a public statement that law enforcement officers “acted swiftly to secure the scene” and that the suspect was pronounced dead.
Police later confirmed that a Delaware State Trooper was killed in the line of duty during the confrontation.
Emergency radio traffic indicated that shortly after 2:00 p.m., command staff reported two individuals down at the scene.
Emergency medical services advised that CPR was being administered to two patients, one of whom was believed to be the shooter.
Subsequent updates clarified that there were two primary trauma patients.
Additional non-trauma medical responses were also recorded, including assistance for one individual who had fallen and another experiencing breathing difficulties amid the incident.
The Delaware Department of Justice issued a statement through spokesperson Mat Marshall, stating that the Attorney General is in direct communication with Delaware State Police and Governor Meyer.
Senior prosecutors were dispatched to Hessler Boulevard to assist with the investigation.
The department emphasized that it would defer to State Police regarding the release of investigative details and asked for patience from the media and the public as the situation continues to be examined.
The statement also expressed support for the Delaware State Police and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, noting that prayers are with the law enforcement community.
In response to the shooting, the Wilmington DMV location on Hessler Boulevard has been closed until further notice.
All services at that facility have been suspended, and residents are being directed to the Delaware City DMV for motor vehicle services.
Hessler Boulevard remains closed, and portions of Route 13 south of Interstate 495 were temporarily shut down as police activity continued. Authorities urged motorists and residents to avoid the area.
Officials have not yet released detailed information regarding the events that led up to the shooting.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have stated that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.