Delaware State Police report that DMV gunman allowed customers to exit before opening fire on responding officers.

A tragic incident unfolded at a Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office this week, where a suspect fatally shot a Delaware State Police trooper before being killed by responding officers. The event occurred on Tuesday afternoon when Cpl. Matthew Snook, a dedicated 10-year veteran of the state police, was working an overtime shift at the New Castle DMV reception desk.

According to a release from the state police, 44-year-old Rahman Rose from Wilmington entered the DMV office as a customer and attacked Cpl. Snook from behind with a handgun. Reports indicate that Snook quickly reacted by pushing a DMV employee out of harm’s way and instructing them to flee the scene as Rose continued to fire at him. In a remarkable act of initiative, Rose reportedly allowed other customers to exit the premises before he turned his weapon towards approaching law enforcement officers.

As officers responded to the incident, Rose fired several rounds towards them, prompting a New Castle County police officer to return fire from outside the building. Rose sustained injuries during this exchange and subsequently died in a hospital while receiving treatment.

Tributes have poured in for Cpl. Snook, affectionately referred to as “Ty” by friends and family. Following the shooting, a procession of police officers, firefighters, and community members paid their respects by lining the roadways as Snook’s body was escorted from the state medical examiner’s office to a local funeral home. The display of gratitude from the community underscores the impact of Snook’s service and the profound loss felt by those who knew him and the law enforcement community at large.

William Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police, acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community, expressing that such sentiments serve as a reminder of Snook’s commitment and sacrifice. The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities are urging any witnesses or individuals with pertinent information to come forward and assist detectives as they work to understand the full scope of the events that transpired.

As the investigation continues, the tragedy at the New Castle DMV serves as a solemn reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement and the critical importance of community support in times of crisis. Media News Source will follow developments in this ongoing investigation.