Delaware police officer stable after being shot in face

February 4, 2013
  • <p>Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

  • <p>Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

  • <p>Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

  • <p>Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

  • <p>Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

  • <p>Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilm police and firefighters check roof tops @ 2pm monday on Peach st. for weapons and evidence. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

  • <p>Wilmington Police Department Patrolman Justin Wilkers was was shot during a traffic stop early Sunday afternoon. (Wilmington Police Department)</p>

    Wilmington Police Department Patrolman Justin Wilkers was was shot during a traffic stop early Sunday afternoon. (Wilmington Police Department)

  • <p>Wilmington Police investigate the shooting involving one of their own Sunday afternoon. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)</p>

    Wilmington Police investigate the shooting involving one of their own Sunday afternoon. (John Jankowski/for NewsWorks)

A Wilmington Police officer was shot during a traffic stop early Sunday afternoon.

The three year veteran of the Wilmington Police Department is in serious but stable condition after being shot following a car chase that ended in the 1200 block of Peach Street.  The Wilmington News Journal identifies the officer as 34-year-old Patrolman Justin Wilkers.

Police are questioning two suspects along with witnesses who saw the shooting that happened around 3:50 p.m. Sunday.  

Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams issued a statement about the incident, “I am deeply troubled that an officer was injured in the line of duty.  I commend his bravery and ask the residents of our great city to pray with me for this officer, his family and all the men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our city safe.”

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Reducing violence in the city has been a major goal of Williams’ administration.  “As Mayor I am committed to ridding our city of anyone that threatens the safety of our neighborhoods.  I’ve said that ‘I’m not in the business of hugging thugs!’ And that is exactly what I mean. Heinous acts such as this will not be tolerated. Our citizens will live in peace.”

Williams is expected to provide more details and reaction to the shooting at a news conference this morning.

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