Delaware trooper shoots, kills burglary suspect in Claymont

A Delaware state trooper shot and killed a 35-year-old man in Claymont early Sunday after the man allegedly dragged the trooper with his car.

The trooper was responding to a burglary alarm at the Northtowne Plaza Rite Aid shortly after 1:30 a.m., when he saw the suspect's car parked at the rear of the business, according to a news release from the Delaware State Police.

As the trooper got out of his vehicle, he saw the suspect exit the Rite Aid and quickly climb into the car, police said.

The suspect allegedly tried to flee as the trooper stood at the car's opened driver's side door. Police said he reversed his vehicle, dragging the trooper before striking the trooper's marked patrol Tahoe.

The suspect then allegedly again attempted to drive off, continuing to drag the trooper.

The trooper fired his divisionally issued firearm, striking the suspect in his upper torso, according to investigators.

He rendered first aid until medics arrived, and the state police aviation unit airlifted the suspect to Christiana Hospital. He died there shortly after 4 a.m. His identity was not immediately disclosed.

The trooper, who suffered non-life-threatening lacerations and contusions, was treated at Wilmington Hospital and released, police said.

The 16-year Delaware State Police veteran, assigned to Troop 1 in Claymont, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

Detectives from the state police homicide unit are handling the probe, which authorities described as "active and ongoing."