Suspect Shoots at Troopers with an Airsoft Gun Wilmington

by Super User

Wilmington, Delaware – The Delaware State Police apprehended a subject with an airsoft gun after shots were fired late last night on Philadelphia Pike.

The preliminary investigation has determined on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at approximately 11:53 p.m. troopers were dispatched to the area of the Bar XIII, located at 1706 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington for a disorderly subject armed with a firearm. It was reported the suspect approached a victim displaying the weapon and taunting him. Upon arrival, troopers observed the suspect carrying a black handgun while walking along Philadelphia Pike.  As both Troopers exited their patrol vehicles and identified themselves, the suspect turned and fired a round at them; able to recognize that the firearm was an Airsoft gun, the troopers took action and quickly communicated that information to responding Troopers.

A second round was fired in the responding trooper’s direction. Attempts to deploy tasers on the suspect were ineffective leading to a struggle with Troopers and the suspect. The suspect broke free and fled on foot. After a foot chase, contact was made with the suspect and another struggle occurred during which a K-9 was deployed. The suspect turned and fired one round at the K-9, striking him.

During the course of the altercation, the suspect struck a trooper in the back of his head with the Airsoft gun and struck another trooper with the firearm. One Trooper sustained a minor laceration to the back of his head and the other trooper sustained a contusion to his forehead.  In addition, the suspect attempted to remove both of the trooper’s firearms from their Divisionally issued holsters. Extra officers arrived on the scene and the suspect was taken into custody. Troopers were treated at the scene for the laceration and contusion. The suspect was transported to the Wilmington ER where he was later committed to C.A.P.E.S. (Crisis Assessment and Psychiatric Emergency Services).

The suspect identified as Jason W. Tatom, 31 of Wilmington, was suspected of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Upon his release from the Crisis Assessment and Psychiatric Emergency Services unit (C.A.P.E.S.), he will be processed and charged with the below-listed crimes:

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony

Possession of a Firearm While Under the Influence

Removing or Attempting to Remove a Firearm from a Law Enforcement Officer (2 counts)

Assault 2nd on a Law Enforcement Officer (2 counts)

Aggravated Menacing (4 counts)

Resisting Arrest with Force Reckless Endangering (3 counts)

Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer Animal

Criminal Mischief Under $1000 (2 counts)

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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