Suspect identified in officer-involved shooting; gun actually a lighter
Members of the Delaware State Police have identified a suspect shot dead by a police officer Monday evening as Raymond Hutson, 25, of Greensboro, Md.
Police say Hutson was reportedly waving a gun-shaped cigarette lighter (see photo for similar item above), believed to be a gun, outside of his window when he was shot.
According to Delaware State Troopers, an autopsy conducted on Wednesday revealed Hutson’s death resulted from a gunshot wound.
This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.
Delaware State Police say it all started around 11:50 PM on Monday, when Deputies with the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office made their way into Delaware, while perusing a red 1994 Ford pickup truck, driven by Hutson.
Investigators say the Deputies started following Hutson, after figuring out that he was driving a stolen truck, and was wanted for several burglaries in Maryland and Delaware.
The pursuit continued into the town of Frederica, where Investigators say the suspect drove eastbound in the westbound lane, and then turned northbound onto North Frederica Road, before driving northbound in the southbound lane of Route 1, into oncoming traffic.
Police say the pick-up truck eventually stopped on the southbound shoulder of Route 1 south of Barrett’s Chapel Road, as Troopers and Deputies initiated a felony traffic stop on the truck, when they observed him holding what they originally reported was a handgun.
Troopers say Hutson was given verbal commands to drop the weapon, but he ignored their requests, and started waiving the gun-shaped lighter in the direction of the Troopers and Deputies.
It was at this point when a Trooper then discharged his divisionally-issued patrol rifle, striking Hutson who was still seated in the driver’s seat of the pickup truck.
At this time, Police say they are withholding the identity of the suspect, pending notification to his next of kin. State Police say the 27-year-old Trooper involved in this incident has been employed by the Delaware State Police for four years and is assigned to Troop 3 patrol in Camden.
Troopers say as of Monday, the Trooper has apparently been placed on administrative leave, as per Divisional Policy pending the outcome of the investigation. The Trooper involved in this incident was reportedly not injured.
Police say Hutson was wanted out of Kent County Superior Court for burglary third degree, violation of probation and disregarding a police officer signal while driving suspended or revoked, reckless driving and speeding.
