Delaware State Police Fatally Shoot Milford Man Gregory Painter Following Pursuit and Confrontation; Investigation Underway Into Officer-Involved Shooting

May 5, 2025 – Milford, DE — Authorities have identified Gregory Painter, 44, of Milford, as the man fatally shot by Delaware State Police on May 1 following a confrontation.

The incident began shortly before 4 p.m. when multiple 911 calls were received reporting a red Ford F-150 driving erratically on Route 9 near Harbeson Road. Witnesses described the vehicle swerving into oncoming lanes, moving slowly, and drifting onto the shoulder of the road.

Responding troopers located the truck on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road. When they attempted a traffic stop, Painter allegedly refused to pull over, prompting a brief vehicle pursuit. Painter eventually stopped his vehicle in a driveway on West Springside Drive, in the 28000 block.

Police said that after exiting the vehicle, Painter, armed with a knife, ran into a nearby residence, which was occupied at the time. Investigators later confirmed that Painter was not a resident of the home. After briefly entering the residence, Painter emerged still armed and allegedly charged at the officers, ignoring their repeated commands to drop the weapon. In response, the troopers fired their weapons, fatally striking Painter.

No officers or civilians were injured during the incident. As part of the standard procedure, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Justice conduct a joint investigation into the use of force.

The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the events leading up to it to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333, or by contacting the Major Crimes Unit at Delaware State Police Troop 2 at (302) 741-2821.

This investigation is ongoing, and authorities will provide further details as they become available.