Delaware State Police ID teen killed in shootout with police

Delaware State Police identified the teenager who was fatally wounded in a shootout with police over the weekend as Juliun Pitcher of Smyrna. 

Delaware State Police

(Mark Eichmann/WHYY)

Delaware State Police identified the teenager who was fatally wounded in a shootout with police over the weekend as Juliun Pitcher of Smyrna.

The 16-year-old was riding in the front seat of a car that was stopped for a traffic violation in Dover at 3:11 a.m. on Saturday. Police said, “As the Trooper approached the vehicle, Pitcher displayed a handgun, with an exchange of gunfire ensuing.”

Pitcher was shot during the exchange and died as a result of his injuries after being taken to a local hospital.

The 18-year-old driver of the car sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, for which he was treated and later released.

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A 17-year-old backseat passenger was uninjured as a result of the incident.

Detectives did recover a handgun from the scene.

The 35-year-old trooper involved was not hurt. He has worked for the Delaware State Police for two years and is assigned to Troop 3 patrol in Camden. Policy requires that the Trooper be placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

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