Police blocked Interstate 95 in New Castle County, Delaware, for hours Friday after a suspect died following a "lengthy pursuit" that included two carjackings, a school bus hit by gunfire, and multiple exchanges of gunfire, according to Delaware State Police.
The shooting and chase took place along the southbound lanes near the exit for Delaware Route 896 and the Delaware Welcome Center and in surrounding neighborhoods.
Troopers first responded Ayre Street outside Newport around 7:30 a.m. for a report of an armed man, Delaware State Police said.
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The man fled as troopers approached and "gunshots were fired," Senior Cpl. Jason Hatchell said at a midday news conference. Police later revealed that the man pointed a gun at troopers while being pursued.
"During this encounter, an occupied Vocational Technical School District bus was struck by gunfire at the corner of Marshall Street and Market Street," state police said in a news release. "There were no injuries reported on the bus."
The gunman then ran off to the area of Route 141 and Route 4 where he unsuccessfully tried to carjack a driver before carjacking someone else and driving off, police said.
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"Troopers gave chase and there were additional gunshots fired at this location," police said.
A "lengthy pursuit" then weaved through New Castle and Newark areas, Hatchell said.
The chase appeared to have ended in a cul-de-sac behind the Red Roof Inn & Suites - Newark - University off Old Coochs Bridge Road, Hatchell said.
The carjacker wasn't done, however, as he ran off on foot through a wooded area toward southbound I-95, investigators said.
"Once he reached the interstate, the suspect made two attempts to carjack unsuspecting victims," police said. "During the course of one attempt, the suspect discharged one round striking the interior of the vehicle. The suspect then successfully carjacked a third victim at this location."
The suspect drove off in the stolen vehicle on Interstate 95 toward Route 896 and "more gunshots were fired," Hatchell said.
Troopers tried to give first aid to the injured suspect, but he died at the scene.
Police wouldn't say if troopers killed the man or if he killed himself. They didn't say if anyone else was injured and if out-of-state police were involved.
During the gunfire on I-95 an "uninvolved motorist" was hurt, police said. That man was treated at a hospital and later released.
"The circumstances of this injury remain unclear and are under investigation at this time," police said Friday.
The incident appeared to have stretched into a surrounding community. Several evidence markers were on the ramp from Route 141, near Market Street and along an alley in Newport.
"Looking out the front door of the house I saw the state police officers getting in their vehicles and apparently leaving the area," Pastor Greg Vickers, of Newport, said after hearing gunshots.
As SkyForce10 hovered overhead shortly before 9 a.m. you could see several police vehicles blocking both directions of I-95 in the Newark area. Yellow police tape stretched across the road and investigators seemed focused on vehicles stopped in the middle of the road, including a white sedan.
"I-95 northbound and I-95 southbound in the area of 896 will be shut down for an extended period," Delaware State Police said.
By 12:30 p.m. at least one lane of northbound traffic was getting by as all southbound lanes remained closed, Hatchell said.
Police began using the #95Chase hashtag on social media later in the morning and then after 11 a.m. confirmed there was an "officer-involved shooting."
"The incident is contained at this time, there is no threat to public safety, and police are advising the public to please avoid the area," police said.
The interstate was reopened by Friday evening.
Police could be seen using a drone in their search for clues.
"We truly appreciate the public's patience as we continue gathering all the details," police tweeted. "Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has video surveillance, please contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703 or send a tip to DE Crime Stoppers@1-800-TIP-3333 #95Chase."
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