Statements

Jan. 7, 2025: Campus Safety Update

Read more about UD Police’s arrest of a man who is unaffiliated with the University, charged with two felonies.

Jan. 6, 2025: University Statement

Police response and intervention was required Sunday afternoon at the Newark Regional Transportation Center (NRTC). At approximately 4:34 p.m., officers from University of Delaware Police and Newark Police responded to a distress call from an individual at NRTC’s parking lot. The individual, who has no affiliation with the University of Delaware, informed 911 operators that they were in possession of a knife and had suicidal intentions.

The initial investigation indicates that, upon arrival, the UD Police officer exited their patrol vehicle to check on the welfare of the individual who placed the 911 call. The individual exited their vehicle while holding a knife and directly approached the UD Police officer. The officer, while walking backward, issued several verbal commands for the individual to return to their vehicle and place their weapon on the ground. The individual did not comply and continued to advance toward the UD Police officer. The officer discharged their service weapon, striking the individual.

Immediate medical aid was provided by officers on the scene. The individual was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. A warrant has been issued for the individual — a 24-year-old Maryland resident — with charges of aggravated menacing and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.

The UD Police officer was not injured and, as per standard departmental policy, has been placed on administrative duty while the investigation is conducted.

UD Police encourage any witnesses to come forward and report additional information by calling 302-831-2222. The investigation is ongoing, conducted by University of Delaware Police in conjunction with the Newark Police Department, the Delaware State Police Evidence Detection Unit, and the Department of Justice Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust.

There is no immediate threat posed to the UD community at this time. As always, the University of Delaware continues to prioritize the health and safety of its campus. Police request the public’s patience as the investigation continues.

Updates and news

Building trust through policing: UD Police completed a two-year trust-building campaign aimed at better supporting the University and Newark communities (Jan. 2025)

UD Police earns re-accreditation: The University’s police department and its 911 call center receive re-accreditation from the nation’s leading law enforcement credentialing agency (Nov. 2024)

A sense of community: UD Police’s Community Resource Unit builds relationships and trust through safety education — on and off campus (Oct. 2024)

What to know about UD Alert: Answering frequently asked questions about the University’s safety notification system (Sept. 2024)

Safety 101 on UD’s campus: Resources and services are available to keep University of Delaware students, faculty and staff informed and safe (Aug. 2024)

Get to know UD’s top cop: Safety and service to the University remain UD Police Chief Pat Ogden’s top priorities (July 2024)

Where campus safety meets hands-on experience: UDPD honors students from Emergency Care Unit and Cadet programs for their service and commitments to the community (June 2024)

Answering the call of duty: UDPD’s Communication Center is on the receiving end when someone dials 911 (April 2024)

Badge of honor: UD Police is one of only two departments in the state of Delaware to partner with the 30x30 Initiative, aimed at increasing gender diversity in policing (March 2024)

“A prepared campus is a safe campus”: Three summer training opportunities focused on University’s preparedness, response and recovery following a simulated active assailant (Sept. 2023)

In exclusive company: UD Police lieutenant graduates from the FBI National Academy (Sept. 2023)