On August 14, 2023, at approximately 1:20 P.M. the Newark Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a phone call reporting a shooting and possibly a barricaded person inside a residence in the 100 block of Madison Drive. Members of the Newark Police Department quickly responded to the scene to begin assessing the situation and providing assistance to the community. Due to the allegations made in the original call, members of the Newark Police Département SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) and the Command Post responded to the scene. Investigative efforts enabled officers to contact the residents of multiple homes and determine that there were no ongoing acts of violence and that the community members in the area were safe. There are no threats or known dangers to the community at this time.  Investigative efforts appear to show that this is a case of “swatting”.

We thank the community for its cooperation during this investigation. We would also like to thank that University of Delaware Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, New Castle County Paramedics and AETNA Hose, Hook and Ladder for their assistance. We also remind everyone that reports, such as this, may divert critical first responder resources and help from those who are truly in need. Should you have any information related to this case please contact Detective Saitis at (302) 366-.7100 ext. 3453 or a jsaitis@newark.de.us.  Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.