Suspect fatally shot by Delaware trooper identified

FREDERICA — The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit on Wednesday identified Raymond A. Hutson, 25, of Greensboro, Maryland, as the suspect fatally wounded by a Delaware State Police trooper late Monday evening.

The incident occurred north of Frederica after a chase that ended on Del. 1 south of Barrett’s Chapel Road.

An autopsy conducted Wednesday by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science determined Mr. Hutson died as a result of a gunshot wound.

According to police on Tuesday, a state police trooper fired his patrol rifle at Mr. Hutson after he allegedly was seen waving what was believed to be a gun in the direction of law enforcement.

On Wednesday, police said evidence recovered at the scene was a gun cigarette lighter.

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Police said evidence recovered at the scene of Monday’s shooting was a handgun cigarette lighter, similar to the one in this photo provided by Delaware State Police.

According to state police, the incident happened at about 11:51 p.m. Monday as deputies from the Caroline County (Maryland) Sheriff’s office entered into Delaware, pursuing a red 1994 Ford pickup truck, operated by Mr. Hutson, and allegedly stolen.

According to police, Mr. Hutson was driving recklessly through western Kent County and Delaware State Police troopers became involved in the pursuit around Felton. Police said the suspect was seen displaying a handgun in his left hand. The pursuit continued into the town of Frederica, before Mr. Hutson drove northbound in the southbound lane of Del. 1 into oncoming traffic.

When he came to a stop on the southbound shoulder of Del. 1 south of Barrett’s Chapel Road, troopers and deputies initiated a felony traffic stop. Police said he was holding a handgun.

Mr. Hutson allegedly ignored numerous verbal commands and waved the gun in the direction of the troopers and deputies. The trooper, who has not been named, fired his patrol rifle, striking Mr. Hutson who was seated in the driver’s seat of the truck.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.