Gregory Painter, 44, of Milford, has been identified as the victim in an officer involved shooting on Thursday, May 1. The incident occurred near Harbeson Road.
Several 911 calls reported a possible impaired driver in a red F150 truck. Prior to arrival on the scene, officers were advised a truck matching the description was driven at. Slow sped, swerving into the opposite lane of travel and driving on the shoulder. The vehicle was located on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road where officers attempted a traffic stop.
When the driver failed to stop, a pursuit ensued with the vehicle eventually coming to a stop in a driveway on West Springside Drive in the Cool Spring Farm community. A white male suspect exited the vehicle with a knife and entered a home, which was occupied, but was not the home where the driver resided. Painter left the residence, and troopers repeatedly gave commands for him to stop and drop his weapon.
The suspect ignored the commands and continued to advance toward the troopers wielding the knife. Two troopers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect. First aid was immediately rendered until emergency medical services arrived. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Per Delaware State Police procedures, both troopers were placed on administrative leave pending a use of force investigation in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Justice. The shooting is being actively investigated by Delaware State Police Homicide and anyone with information is asked to call Detective B. McDerby at 302-741-2821 or through Delaware Crime Stoppers.
