Use of force report concludes in 2021 DSP trooper-involved shooting

SEAFORD, Del. – An investigation into a trooper-involved shooting in March of 2021 has concluded.

The incident took place at around 7:15 p.m. on March 25, 2021. Troopers were called to 26970 Danny Drive after receiving a 911 call from 51-year-old Kelly Rooks, claiming that she had been “poisoned” by her neighbors and needed to go to the hospital. Medical personnel also responded to the scene and asked Rooks to come with them to the hospital so she could be examined more thoroughly, but she refused and became agitated with their presence as well as the presence of police.

It was reported that Rooks was in a mental health crisis and was threatening people, including troopers. Gunfire was exchanged, and the trooper fired his divisional-issued weapon, killing Rooks.

A lengthy investigation has determined that the use of deadly force by the trooper in this case does not constitute a criminal offense. It was determined that the trooper reasonably believed that the use of deadly force upon Rooks was immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself and others.

Read the full report here.