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A Delaware State Police trooper opened fire on a suspect who was reportedly armed and struck him in the hand on Saturday, Dec. 26 in Sussex County, according to news releases issued by the state police.
At approximately 2:43 p.m. on Saturday, a woman called 911 to report a domestic argument between herself and her husband, Chad M. Fulginiti, 38, of Millsboro.
The caller advised that the initial incident occurred on Route 24 in the area of Burton’s Pond Road. The woman said she got out of a vehicle, a gray Nissan pick-up, and her husband fled the scene.
The woman told the 911 operator that her husband was distraught and suicidal. A short time later, the woman said she discovered the suspect had taken his handgun from their home.
Allegedly, Fulginiti next drove to the Lewes Auto Mall, to CP Diver, where he located a vehicle belonging to a subject he believed was romantically involved with his wife. The suspect then significantly damaged this vehicle.
Units began to check the area and located the Nissan pick up on Van Dyke Street in the development of Bayside. By this time, a Delaware State Police Crisis Management Team Member was on the phone with the suspect. Fulginiti pulled out onto Route 1 and started southbound.
For the next hour, the suspect drove along the Route 1 corridor, while continuing to talk to officers on the phone. During the phone conversations, Fulginiti confirmed that he was armed. He also threatened to harm himself and ram a police car.
The Nissan eventually pulled into the development of South Shores Marina on Marina Drive. The DSP units converged on the development and set up a perimeter to keep the suspect from fleeing again.
Troopers continued to speak with Fulginiti in an attempt to end this situation peacefully. The suspect was angry and threatened “suicide by
cop.” He threatened that he was going to harm himself and other people.
Troopers attempted to keep Fulginiti at bay, but he started to flee the scene in a reckless manner, at which time a trooper fired his departmentally issued weapon a single time, striking the suspect in the hand.
The Nissan came to a stop and the suspect was taken into custody. First aid was immediately rendered and the suspect was transported from the scene to Beebe Hospital.
The Trooper involved in the shooting was identified as Cpl. Jeffrey Ballinger of Troop 7 patrol. He has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of this investigation.
Fulginiti faces the following charges:
* Burglary (felony) – for unlawfully entering the automotive shop at the Lewes Auto Mall (17861 Coastal Highway, Lewes);
* Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor) – for damaging the vehicle described earlier;
* DUI (traffic offense)
* Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (felony) – led troopers on a high speed vehicle pursuit along the Route 1 corridor
Mr. Fulginiti has been transported to Christiana Hospital for treatment to his hand.
The arraignment of Mr. Fulginiti is still pending.
A Delaware State Police trooper opened fire on a suspect who was reportedly armed and struck him in the hand on Saturday, Dec. 26 in Sussex County, according to news releases issued by the state police.
At approximately 2:43 p.m. on Saturday, a woman called 911 to report a domestic argument between herself and her husband, Chad M. Fulginiti, 38, of Millsboro.
The caller advised that the initial incident occurred on Route 24 in the area of Burton’s Pond Road. The woman said she got out of a vehicle, a gray Nissan pick-up, and her husband fled the scene.
The woman told the 911 operator that her husband was distraught and suicidal. A short time later, the woman said she discovered the suspect had taken his handgun from their home.
Allegedly, Fulginiti next drove to the Lewes Auto Mall, to CP Diver, where he located a vehicle belonging to a subject he believed was romantically involved with his wife. The suspect then significantly damaged this vehicle.
Units began to check the area and located the Nissan pick up on Van Dyke Street in the development of Bayside. By this time, a Delaware State Police Crisis Management Team Member was on the phone with the suspect. Fulginiti pulled out onto Route 1 and started southbound.
For the next hour, the suspect drove along the Route 1 corridor, while continuing to talk to officers on the phone. During the phone conversations, Fulginiti confirmed that he was armed. He also threatened to harm himself and ram a police car.
The Nissan eventually pulled into the development of South Shores Marina on Marina Drive. The DSP units converged on the development and set up a perimeter to keep the suspect from fleeing again.
Troopers continued to speak with Fulginiti in an attempt to end this situation peacefully. The suspect was angry and threatened “suicide by
cop.” He threatened that he was going to harm himself and other people.
Troopers attempted to keep Fulginiti at bay, but he started to flee the scene in a reckless manner, at which time a trooper fired his departmentally issued weapon a single time, striking the suspect in the hand.
The Nissan came to a stop and the suspect was taken into custody. First aid was immediately rendered and the suspect was transported from the scene to Beebe Hospital.
The Trooper involved in the shooting was identified as Cpl. Jeffrey Ballinger of Troop 7 patrol. He has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of this investigation.
Fulginiti faces the following charges:
* Burglary (felony) – for unlawfully entering the automotive shop at the Lewes Auto Mall (17861 Coastal Highway, Lewes);
* Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor) – for damaging the vehicle described earlier;
* DUI (traffic offense)
* Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal (felony) – led troopers on a high speed vehicle pursuit along the Route 1 corridor
Mr. Fulginiti has been transported to Christiana Hospital for treatment to his hand.
The arraignment of Mr. Fulginiti is still pending.
