Gregory Painter: Fatal Shooting by Delaware State Police on May 1, 2025
On May 1, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, Delaware State Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a red Ford F-150 pickup truck driving erratically on Route 9 near Harbeson Road. The vehicle, later identified as being operated by 44-year-old Gregory Painter of Milford, was reported to be moving slowly, swerving into oncoming lanes, and drifting onto the shoulder.
Troopers located the vehicle on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road and attempted a traffic stop. Painter allegedly refused to comply, leading to a brief vehicle pursuit. He eventually stopped the truck in a driveway on West Springside Drive, in the 28000 block.
According to police, Painter exited the vehicle armed with a knife and ran into a nearby residence. Investigators confirmed that Painter was not a resident of the home, which was occupied at the time. Shortly after entering, Painter exited the house still armed and charged at the troopers, ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon. In response, troopers discharged their firearms, fatally striking Painter.
No officers or other civilians were injured in the incident. As per standard protocol, the involved troopers have been placed on administrative leave while the Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Justice conduct a joint investigation into the use of force.
Authorities are continuing to gather information and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant details to contact Delaware State Police Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at (302) 741-2821. Tips can also be submitted via private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.(Delaware State Police, Delaware State Police)
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].(Delaware State Police, WGMD)
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.(Delaware State Police)
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this case. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this incident to contact Sergeant S. Yeich by calling 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].
