Police have identified a teen boy who they say was shot and killed by a Delaware State Trooper during an “exchange of gunfire” over the weekend.
Juliun Pitcher, 16, of Smyrna, Delaware, was the front seat passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation on Fieldstone Court in Dover, Delaware around 3:10 a.m. Saturday, investigators said. The 18-year-old driver and a 17-year-old rear seat passenger were also inside.
A 35-year-old Delaware State Trooper, who police have not identified, approached the vehicle. According to police, Pitcher displayed a handgun and an “exchange of gunfire” ensued. Both Pitcher and the 18-year-old driver were struck during the shooting. Neither the trooper nor the 17-year-old passenger were injured.
Pitcher was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries. The driver was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg and later released from the hospital. Police also say they recovered a handgun from the scene.
The Trooper, who is assigned to Troop 3 patrol in Camden, Delaware and has been with the Delaware State Police for two years, was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
If you have any information on the incident, please call Detective D. Grassi of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit at 302-365-8441. You can also call the Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
