Wilmington, DE- On June 23, 2017, a Delaware Probation and Parole Officer was shot in the line of duty. The officer, whose name is being withheld at this time, is assigned to the Wilmington Safe Streets Unit, a joint unit consisting of officers from Delaware Probation and Parole and the Wilmington Police Department.
After conducting a probation administrative search in the area of 2700 block of Thompson Place, officers exited the residence and heard gunfire. One of the bullets hit the unidentified Probation officer. Fortunately, the bullet only grazed the officer, and the officer was able to escape with no severe injuries. However, the officer was still transported to Christiana Hospital where he was examined, treated, and has since been released. The investigation is ongoing at this time anyone with any information pertaining to this case is asked to contact Detective Robert Fox at 302-576-3619 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800TIP-3333 or www.delawarecrimestoppers.org .
Delaware Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10 President Todd Mumford was interviewed early this morning and shared the following information. He reports the officer had some minor effects, but overall was in good spirits. Mumford went on to say that, "an inch or two and this would have been an entirely different outcome." Mumford stated that protocols prohibited him from sharing any details or specific information. However, he did state that these are dangers his officers face each day and that he hoped this would open the eyes of people who are not aware of the role Probation and Parole Officers play in protecting the public. Mumford said that he would be scheduling a press conference with more details in the coming day to address this issue as well as some other matters concerning probation.
Finally, Mumford wanted to express his sincere gratitude to many of the people involved in last night's events. Specifically, Christiana Hospital and their staff for being so accommodating, as well as the numerous officers from probation and multiple agencies around the state who showed up to the hospital or have reached out to offer their support. He also wanted to extend special thanks to the Wilmington Police Department Chief Robert Tracy and Inspector Cecelia Ashe for personally coming to check on the officer and Wilmington Police officers who stood side by side with probation officers during the danger.
