DOJ: Use of force by DSP in December 2020 shooting was necessary
VIOLA, Del. – A lengthy investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Kent County has concluded that the use of force by law enforcement was necessary and does not constitute a criminal offense.
The incident took place on December 30, 2020, at around 5:30 p.m. Troopers responded to a residence at 201 East Evens Road in Viola for a report of a subject, later identified as Ronald Cochran, inside the bathroom threatening to “shoot up the place”. Troopers gave commands to Cochran through an open exterior door to the residence, but he instead fled up the stairs to the second story.
Cochran then reportedly climbed out of a second story window onto the roof of the first floor and fired two gunshots towards two troopers on scene. Both troopers returned fire. Cochran then made his way to the west side of the residence where he jumped to the ground and ran to the front of the residence, pointing his weapon at a third trooper. That trooper then fired a round towards Cochran before he fled to a residence approximately 100 yards away and laid on the porch suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper extremities.
Troopers quickly rendered first aid to Cochran and found he was still in possession of a handgun. Police say Cochran suffered gunshot wounds to the right bicep and right shoulder, and was treated at an area hospital. Following his release, he was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and first degree reckless endangering.
A thorough investigation was then launched, including witness and police interviews, as well as physical evidence located at the scene. We’re told witnesses reported having seen Cochran using drugs and believed that he was drunk, and his toxicology report showed that a significant amount of alcohol in his system. Witnesses added that Cochran said that he was going to have a “shootout”, and, “the cops are going to kill me tonight”.
It was concluded that the troopers involved in this incident reasonably believed that the use of deadly force on Cochran was necessary to protect themselves and others, as each of Cochran’s gunshots demonstrated his intent to kill or seriously injure the police. Additionally, no third persons were injured and police took reasonable measures to only use force when necessary. As a result, the Department of Justice concluded that the use of deadly force in this case does not constitute a criminal offense under the laws of the State of Delaware.
The full report on this case can be found here.
