On Tuesday afternoon, a tragic shooting occurred at a DMV facility in New Castle County, resulting in the death of a Delaware State Police trooper.
Identification of the Fallen Officer
Authorities have identified the victim as Corporal Grade One Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, a 34-year-old resident of Hockessin, Delaware. Officials described him as "a dedicated 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police."
He leaves behind his wife and their one-year-old daughter.
In an official statement, state police noted that Snook was recognized as "a dependable, professional, and committed trooper." The statement added, "A native Delawarean, Ty was a graduate of Saint Mark's High School and the University of Maryland, where he was a member of the wrestling team. He was a respected colleague, a trusted partner, and a beloved member of both the Delaware State Police and the community he served."
Details of the Incident
The shooting took place around 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the DMV located on Hessler Boulevard in Minquadale.
According to police reports, a 44-year-old suspect entered the facility as a customer. Shortly after, the suspect approached Snook, who was stationed at the reception desk while working an overtime shift, and shot him.
After being shot, Snook reportedly pushed a DMV employee to safety before the suspect fired again.
A New Castle County police officer then engaged and fatally shot the gunman.
Eyewitness Account
Vasty Albino Velez, who was inside the DMV during the shooting, described the chaos. "We all got to the floor and we crawled to the side of the building," she said. She recounted dragging her son and parents to safety as people scrambled to escape. "I look to my left and I see everybody toward us and they start pushing my mom down to the ground," she added.
Official Statements and Aftermath
Colonel William Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police, expressed profound grief, stating, "We lost a brother, a son, a best friend, a coach, a husband and a father... His last actions were that of a hero, a hero who saved lives today while sacrificing his own."
Governor Matt Meyer also commented, saying, "He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow Delawareans and our heart breaks for his family."
Following the incident, heartbroken troopers saluted during a procession as Snook's body was transported from Christiana Hospital to the medical examiner's office in Wilmington.
Community members, including Pre Ricci, whose son also serves with the Delaware State Police, gathered to lay flowers and pay respects. "It's painful. It's just painful. You know that they'll give up their life and that's what they do," she said.
Injuries and Damage
Several minor injuries were reported during the shooting. A 40-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for non-gunshot-related injuries, while a 35-year-old woman was evaluated for shortness of breath and declined transport. A second state trooper was assessed for a minor, non-gunshot-related injury and did not require EMS transport.
Evidence from the scene included a bullet hole in a window and scattered personal items inside the facility.
