A Wilmington police officer remains hospitalized after he was shot in the face Sunday in the city’s Southbridge section.
The officer, Justin Wilkers, is at Christiana Hospital in serious but stable condition.
Wilmington Police Spokesman Corporal Mark Ivey says the shooting occurred shortly before 4 Sunday afternoon when Wilkers and his partner chased three suspects who left their SUV after fleeing a vehicle stop.
"The bullet struck officer Wilkers in the left jaw area and the bullet cause significant damage and has lodged In the lower part of the officer’s skull," said Cpl. Ivey.
Police Chief Christine Dunning acknowledged the seriousness of the injuries to Wilkers, the first Wilmington police officer shot in the line of duty in two decades.
"We are very fortunate that we still have our brother officer with us today. However, even though Justin Wilkers condition has been stabilized, he still has many challenges to face," said Dunning.
Two of the suspects, 20-year-old Jared Wiggins, and 21-year-old Ronald Boyce, have been arrested. Police are still searching for the third suspect.
Police are uncertain who shot Wilkers at this point, but Dunning says the act itself cannot be tolerated.
"This assault on our police officer, Justin Wilkers, is an affront, an insult and a total sign of disrespect for authority," said Dunning.
Mayor Dennis Williams said Monday he’s angry and saddened by the shooting, and promised to unveil his new policing strategy soon.
"When we do release this new crime plan we have and we start fighting crime more aggressively, there’s some folks who probably not going to like out style, but that’s too bad. Our obligation is to protect the citizens of this city," said Williams.
When asked for details of his plan, Williams declined to answer.
Wilkers is a three-year veteran of the force. He is the married father of two children under 5 years old.