Del. Officer Who Was Shot in Face Returns to Street Duty

A Wilmington Police officer returned to street duty on Tuesday, six months after he was shot in the face during a traffic stop.

Officer Justin Wilkers, 34, was shot back on February 3 when he and his partner tried to pull over a white Chevy Equinox for an equipment violation, according to police. The driver of the Chevy allegedly refused to stop and the officers pursued the vehicle.

Police say the SUV finally stopped on the 1200 block of Peach Street. It was then that at least one of three suspects opened fire, striking Wilkers in the left jaw as he exited his police vehicle, according to investigators.

The three-year veteran of the Wilmington Police Department was rushed to Wilmington Hospital before being transferred to Christiana Hospital. The following Tuesday he underwent surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his face.

All three suspects ran away following the shooting while officers ran after them. Jared Wiggins, 20, and Ronald Boyce, 21, were caught and arrested a short time later. The third suspect, identified as Fredrick Gray, 21, of Wilmington, was found walking near W. 6th and N. Jefferson Streets Monday night. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Wilkers was released from the hospital a week later.

On Tuesday, six months and ten days after the shooting, Officer Wilkers officially returned to active street duty. The Wilmington Police Department celebrated his return with a private ceremony. 

“I am glad that Officer Justin Wilkers is back and that he is 100%,” said Mayor Dennis P. Williams.
Wilmington Police Chief Christine Dunning also spoke during the ceremony. 

“On that terrible day, he displayed tremendous sheer will and determination as he fought to survive,” she said. “He has continued to show that determination and dedication in his remarkable return to duty in such a short period of time. We applaud the commitment, courage, and perseverance exemplified by Officer Justin Wilkers on that day and throughout his recuperation.”

Wilkers thanked all his supporters.

“It is incredible to know that there are so many people who kept my family and I in their thoughts and prayers,” he said. “We truly thank you. I look forward to returning to work and doing the job I signed up for: serving the City of Wilmington as a police officer.”

Wilkers, his partner Corporal Kevin Murphy as well as Master Corporal Brian Witte received commendations for their actions the day of the shooting. Wilker’s shift, “E” Platoon, also received a distinguished unit citation.

(Chief Christine Dunning, Mayor Dennis Williams, Officer Justin Wilkers, Credit: Wilmington Police)