Preliminary Release- Thursday, June 28, 2007

Ocean View- On Thursday, June 28, 2007 at approximately 7:30 p.m. Delaware State Troopers from Troop 4 and officers from the Ocean View Police Department responded to the 37000 block of Mahogany Street in Shady Dell Mobile Home Park to investigate an alleged sexual assault involving a 17 year old Frankford suspect.

Upon arrival officers learned that the juvenile suspect locked himself in the family home. While at the scene officers heard what sounded like a firearm discharge. At this time troopers and officers from Ocean View entered the home and located the juvenile suspect lying on the floor of his bedroom bleeding from what appeared to be a self inflicted head wound. As the officers attempted to render first aide to the juvenile he became combative and struggled with the officers. As the struggle continued, the juvenile attempted to remove one of the Ocean View police officer’s service weapon. The officer was able to retain possession of his weapon during the struggle, but did sustain a minor laceration to his arm.

After the struggle the juvenile suspect was secured and transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was admitted for observation due to his head injuries. During the investigation officers learned the juvenile used a pump action b-b gun to shoot himself. The juvenile was treated for his injuries and is currently being held for further evaluation.

Detectives from Troop 4 Major Crimes are currently investigating this incident and an alleged sexual assault against another minor child at the residence. At this time both investigations are ongoing. More information will be released when it becomes available.