February 9, 2025

2 injured after Dover police rifle is discharged

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2 injured after Dover police rifle is discharged: Two individuals injured in Dover after accidental discharge of police rifle. Incident raises concerns about firearm safety protocols and prompts investigation.

2 injured after Dover police rifle is discharged

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The Dover Police Department is looking into a serious event. A police rifle fired during an arrest, hurting both the suspect and a police officer. This happened on Monday, highlighting the tough job of keeping everyone safe.

An officer, who had been with the Dover Police for 2.5 years, was trying to arrest a 22-year-old man from Smyrna. The rifle went off by surprise. Both the officer and the suspect got hurt in their hands. Now, the Dover Police and the Delaware Department of Justice are figuring out why the gun fired.

Key Takeaways

  • Two individuals, including a police officer, were injured when a Dover Police rifle discharged during an arrest attempt.
  • The incident is under investigation by the Dover Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Delaware Department of Justice to determine the cause of the firearm’s discharge.
  • The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave as part of the standard procedure for officer-involved incidents.
  • The suspect, a 22-year-old Smyrna man, was arrested and will face multiple charges related to the incident.
  • The community is concerned about the safety implications of this law enforcement incident and the need to address officer training and protocols.

Accidental Discharge Injures Officer and Suspect

The [2 injured after dover police rifle is discharged] incident happened on Monday afternoon. Dover Police’s Special Operations Response Team tried to arrest Millard Richardson, wanted in a [firearm and gang investigation]. An accidental discharge happened during the arrest, injuring an officer and the suspect.

Incident Details: Arrest Attempt and Firearm Discharge

Richardson tried to drive away when officers approached him, causing a crash with a police vehicle. After the crash, he refused to get out. Officers then broke the driver-side window to enter, and a gun misfire happened. This injured both the officer and the suspect.

Injuries Sustained to Hands

The gun accident hurt the hands of the officer and Richardson. The full extent of their injuries was not shared right away. This incident shows the dangers of police shootings, even if they are accidental.

The Dover Police Department and the Department of Justice are investigating the accidental discharge. They aim to find out why it happened and address any public safety concerns it raises.

police shooting

Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team

The Dover Police Department has a special unit called the Special Operations Response Team (SORT). This team is made up of highly skilled officers. They handle high-risk operations and critical incidents in the community. The SORT is key to the department’s efforts to keep the public safe in tough situations.

The main tasks of the Dover Police Department’s SORT include:

  • Executing high-risk search and arrest warrants
  • Responding to active shooter incidents and hostage situations
  • Providing specialized tactical support during critical events
  • Conducting training and preparedness exercises for the department

The SORT has special gear like tactical armor and advanced firearms. They also get a lot of training in areas like close-quarters combat and crisis negotiation. This makes them ready for any situation.

SORT Unit Composition Training and Certifications
  • Team Commander
  • Team Leaders
  • Tactical Operators
  • Crisis Negotiators
  • Breacher/Entry Team
  • Designated Marksmen
  • Advanced Tactical Firearms
  • High-Risk Warrant Service
  • Hostage Rescue and Negotiation
  • Emergency Medical Procedures
  • Explosive Breaching and Entry
  • Specialized Surveillance Techniques

The Dover Police Department’s SORT is vital for keeping the community safe. They face the toughest and most dangerous situations with skill and dedication.

dover police department special operations response team

Suspect Sought for Firearm and Gang Investigation

Authorities are now focusing on 22-year-old Millard Richardson in the recent Lakeland shooting case. Richardson lives in Smyrna and is under investigation for firearm and gang activities.

Suspect’s Criminal History and Charges

Richardson has a history of violent crimes and gang ties, police say. He was caught with a gun, breaking his probation rules.

Police got a search warrant and searched Richardson’s car. They found a loaded handgun, a lot of marijuana, and drug tools.

After he gets out of the hospital, Richardson will face many charges. These include weapons and drug crimes. The case shows how hard police are working to stop gang violence in Lakeland.

“The apprehension of this suspect is a significant step in our ongoing fight against gang-related crime and the illegal possession of firearms in our city,” stated the local police chief.

2 injured after Dover police rifle is discharged

In a worrying incident, a Dover Police officer’s rifle went off by mistake during an arrest. This caused injuries to both the officer and the suspect.

The event happened when the officer, who had been with the Dover Police Department for 2.5 years, tried to arrest 22-year-old Millard Richardson from Smyrna. The officer’s rifle discharged, hurting the hands of the officer and the suspect.

“We are taking this incident very seriously and are committed to a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the firearm discharge,” said a spokesperson for the Dover Police Department.

The accidental discharge is being looked into, and the officer is on leave until the case is solved. This is usual for such incidents, making sure the review is fair and complete.

The 2 injured people, the officer and Millard Richardson, got injuries to their hands. They were taken to a hospital and are expected to get better.

This law enforcement incident shows how crucial it is to train officers well and keep improving safety steps. It highlights the need to prevent such accidents in the future.

Loaded Handgun and Drugs Found on Suspect

The Dover Police Department found a lot of illegal items in a suspect’s car. They got a search warrant and found a loaded handgun, almost half a pound of marijuana, and other drugs. They also found marijuana oils, edibles, and wax, along with drug paraphernalia.

The suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment. After getting out, they will face many criminal charges for the weapons and drug offenses found.

This case shows how hard the police work to stop loaded handguns and illegal drugs in our community. Finding so much drugs and drug paraphernalia, along with a loaded handgun, shows how dangerous this case is. It also shows the risk to public safety.

Seized Items Quantity
Loaded Handgun 1
Marijuana Nearly 0.5 lbs
Marijuana Oils, Edibles, and Wax Approximately 2 oz
Drug Paraphernalia Multiple Items

Finding these illicit items shows how important it is for the police to keep drugs and weapons away from our streets. This keeps our community safe. As the investigation goes on, we can be sure the police are working hard. They are making sure the suspect is held responsible for what they did.

“The discovery of this loaded handgun and significant quantity of drugs is deeply concerning. We will not let it happen in our community,” said a Dover Police Department spokesperson.

Officer Placed on Administrative Leave

After an incident where a Dover police officer and a suspect were involved, the officer was put on administrative leave with pay. This is what the Dover Police Department does in such cases.

Standard Procedure for Officer-Involved Incidents

Putting the officer on leave is a common step in law enforcement. It helps ensure a fair and complete look into what happened. This way, the officer can’t influence the investigation.

By the Dover Police Department’s rules, officers in such cases get leave until the probe is over. This rule helps keep the investigation fair and protects everyone’s rights.

  • The officer’s leave is not a punishment.
  • It helps have a fair look into the incident.
  • The outcome will show if the officer acted right, following department rules.

This police procedure shows the Dover Police Department’s dedication to being open and responsible. It’s all about keeping everyone safe during these tough times.

Investigations by Police and Department of Justice

The exact cause of Richardson’s injury and the police rifle’s accidental discharge is being looked into. The Dover Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Delaware Department of Justice – Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust are leading the investigation. They are closely checking the details of this firearm discharge event.

Examining Cause of Firearm Discharge

Officials say the investigation aims to find out why the rifle went off. This action hurt both the Dover police officer and the suspect. Investigators are looking at all the evidence and stories to figure out what happened before this sad event.

“We are committed to a thorough and impartial investigation to fully understand what occurred and why. Public trust and officer safety are our top priorities.”

– Spokesperson, Delaware Department of Justice

The results of these investigations by the Dover police and Department of Justice will be key. They will help decide what actions or changes are needed to stop such accidental firearm discharges in the future.

Police Shooting Raises Community Concern

The recent police shooting in Dover has made many people worried. An officer and a suspect got hurt when a police rifle accidentally went off. This has made people talk about how safe police use of guns is and when they should use force.

People are upset and scared for their safety. They want police to be better trained and watched more closely. The incident has raised questions about if police are ready for dangerous situations with guns.

It’s important to talk about these worries after the shooting. People want a deep look into what happened and changes in police rules about guns and training.

Key Concerns Raised Proposed Solutions
  • Firearm safety protocols
  • Use of force by law enforcement
  • Overall police preparedness and decision-making
  1. Thorough investigation of the incident
  2. Comprehensive review of department policies and procedures
  3. Enhanced officer training and accountability measures

The police shooting has made people in the community very concerned. They want to feel safe again and trust the police. The shooting has made people ask for more openness, responsibility, and better communication from the police.

“The accidental discharge of the rifle is deeply concerning, and we need to ensure that such incidents never happen again. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will work tirelessly to implement the necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

The investigation into the police shooting shows we must act fast to address safety worries. By improving gun safety, training police better, and building trust with the community, Dover can move forward. This will help everyone feel safe and trust the police again.

Law Enforcement Incident Highlights Public Safety Issues

The recent law enforcement incident in Dover has made us think about public safety. It showed how important it is to train officers well and follow safety rules. We need to make sure officers handle guns safely to avoid more incidents and keep the public trusting them.

Addressing Officer Training and Protocols

After this incident, authorities must check the officer training and protocols closely. They should look at how to make officers safer in stressful situations. This means focusing on gun safety, how to handle guns right, and how to calm down tense situations.

  • Enhance firearms training to reinforce safety protocols and proper handling techniques
  • Implement regular scenario-based exercises to improve officers’ decision-making and response skills
  • Establish clear and comprehensive guidelines for handling and storing weapons, both on and off duty
  • Provide ongoing training and support to address the unique challenges faced by law enforcement professionals

By working on these public safety issues, the Dover Police Department and other agencies can regain the community’s trust. They can also make sure officers and the public stay safe.

Conclusion

The accidental discharge of a Dover Police officer’s rifle has caused injuries to an officer and a suspect. Investigations are ongoing to find out why this happened. Authorities must look into officer training and rules to keep everyone safe.

The dover police rifle incident shows how important public safety is. It’s key to keep talking between the community and police. As the investigation goes on, Dover Police and the Department of Justice must be open about what they find. They need to improve how officers are trained and kept safe.

It’s vital to tackle the community concern about this event quickly and with a focus on trust. By fixing the problems and making changes, the Dover Police Department can regain trust. This will help keep everyone in the community safe.

FAQ

What happened during the Dover police rifle incident?

During an arrest attempt, a Dover Police officer’s rifle accidentally went off. This happened on Monday. The officer and the 22-year-old suspect, Millard Richardson, both got hurt in their hands.

Who was involved in the incident?

The Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team was involved. They are a group for high-risk operations. The suspect, Millard Richardson, was wanted for a gun and gang investigation.

What was found in the suspect’s vehicle?

Police found a loaded handgun, almost half a pound of marijuana, and other drugs in Richardson’s car. They also found marijuana oils, edibles, and drug tools.

What charges will the suspect face?

After he gets out of the hospital, Richardson will face many charges. These include weapons and drug offenses related to the gun and drugs found.

What is the status of the officer involved in the incident?

The officer is on administrative leave with pay. This is while the investigation is ongoing. It’s a usual step for such cases.

Who is investigating the cause of the firearm’s discharge?

The Dover Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Delaware Department of Justice are looking into it. They want to know why the gun went off and hurt the suspect.

How has the community reacted to the incident?

The community is worried about police rifle safety and how police use force. They’re talking about how to prevent such incidents. They want to keep officers and the public safe.

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author avatar
Jack Mollho - Law Enforcement
Jack Mollho is a Journalist for Network World News, he has been in law enforcement for 32 years, he spent 20 years at the Sheriff's Office at Rank Lieutenant. He was with Local PD as a Sargent for another 12 years. Has studied, Law, Law Enforcement, and Journalism.

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