Delaware burglary suspect shot dead by Wilmington Police

The name burglary suspect was shot and killed by a Wilmington Police officer in the 100 block of West Ninth Street Saturday night has been released.

He has been identified as Yusef Reynolds of Galloway Twp, New Jersey.  The only other information given by police was his date of birth: June 1970.

Here are details of the shooting incident as released by Wilmington Police.

The police officer, who has not been identified, was on routine patrol in the area when he saw the front door of a vacant business open. NewsWorks correspondent, John Jankowski reports the business was a UPS store.

Wilmington Police say the officer thought the building was being burglarized, so he entered the store front and confronted the suspect. The officer chased the man into the store basement. Sgt. Paul E. Reutter said the officer ordered the man to stop, at which point, the suspect turned on the officer and started to assault him. Sgt. Reutter said the officer tried to use “non-lethal” means to stop him.

Sgt. Reutter said the officer feared for his life and took out weapon and shot the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene by New Castle County paramedics.

Sgt. Reutter in a news release added, “The police shooting is being investigated by Wilmington Police Detectives per Departmental Policy and the Attorney General’s Office. The Wilmington Police Office of Professional Standards is monitoring the investigation and will review the circumstances for compliance with Departmental Policy.”

As is standard practice in Wilmington, Sgt. Reutter also said the officer involved with the shooting has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.