UPDATE: Dover Police Release Details on Barricade Incident

UPDATE: The Dover Police Department (DPD) has released more information about Wednesday’s barricade incident.

Police say the man taken into custody was identified as 61-year-old Eric Dryden of Dover. He is charged with four counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and related charges. Dryden is currently hospitalized at an undisclosed location, and will be formally arraigned on these charges once medically cleared. 

Police say their investigation began around 3:34 p.m. when officers were called for the report of  a domestic-related incident in which a firearm had been discharged. Upon arrival, officers made contact with a female victim, who reported having an argument with Dryden, in which he assaulted her. During the altercation, Dryden pointed a firearm at her and discharged a round into a wall inside the residence. 

Officers unsuccessfully attempted to get Dryden to exit the residence, prompting a response from the DPD’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT), the Dover Police Crisis Negotiations Team, and Delaware State Police (DSP) SORT. Due to the location of the incident, significant traffic disruptions occurred in the area. The Delaware Department of Transportation also responded to assist with traffic control. 

Dryden reportedly exited the residence several times while holding a firearm, but quickly re-entered and refused to surrender to police. Subsequently, authorities say the decision was made to disable electricity to the residence. While power was being disabled, Dryden discharged a firearm from inside the residence, nearly striking a responding electric employee and assisting officers.

Authorities say Dryden eventually sustained a self-inflicted injury inside the residence and subsequently surrendered to police. He was treated on scene by medical personnel with the Kent County Paramedics, and transported to an area hospital for treatment.

DPD has extended their thanks to all participating and responding agencies, including the Capital School District for opening Dover High School as a safe location for residents displaced during this incident.

DOVER, Del. – The Dover Police Department was on scene of a barricaded subject in the area of Forest Avenue and Stoney Drive Wednesday night.

Just after 8:30 p.m., officials announced they had taken a 61-year-old man into custody, ending the situation.

The 61-year-old man was taken to an area hospital for self-inflicted wounds and is being treated for his injuries.

The Dover Police Department thanks the community for its cooperation and patience, as transportation was disrupted in the affected area and neighborhoods.

A full news release will be provided when more details become available.

This article was originally published on Feb. 18 at 8:34 p.m.