WILMINGTON — Four people were wounded in a shooting early Tuesday morning near 10th and Spruce streets, prompting a large police response and renewed concerns from neighbors about long-standing safety issues at the address where officers say the incident occurred.
Incident and response
Wilmington police were called shortly after 6 a.m. for reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found four people with gunshot wounds and transported them to local hospitals in stable condition, police said. The incident remains under investigation; police have not released information about suspects or a motive.
The scene was blocked off while detectives processed evidence and interviewed witnesses. City officials directed residents with information about the incident to contact Detective Michael Chambers at (302) 576-3645, or to share tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or delawarecrimestoppers.com.
Victims and community impact
Police identified the victims only by age and sex. Those treated and transported to hospitals included a 23-year-old man, a 40-year-old man, a 49-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman. The Wilmington Police Department Victim Services Unit is available to provide support and referrals for victims of crime at (302) 576-3622, and the department’s Youth Response Unit offers free counseling and services for children and families at (302) 576-3183.
Across the street from the scene is a senior housing complex. Cheryl Elzey, project manager for that facility, described alarm among residents when the shooting occurred.
"I told the guard, ‘It’s gunfire,’ and by the time we got out, the victim was sitting on the steps hollering, ‘I’m hit, I’m hit,’" Elzey said.
Elzey told reporters that tenants have previously experienced gunfire that damaged apartment screens and rattled windows. She said the repeated incidents have left residents reluctant to step outside.
Longstanding concerns about the property
City council members and neighbors identified the home where the shooting happened as a recurring problem. Councilwoman Xanthia Oliver said the property has been cited repeatedly by the Department of Licenses & Inspections and should be boarded up.
"It should be boarded up. L&I has cited them on several occasions. It’s just nonstop," Oliver said.
The remarks underscore broader frustrations about enforcement, property conditions and public safety in parts of Wilmington where neighbors and officials say nuisance properties contribute to recurring violent incidents.
What residents should know
Wilmington police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators. Residents seeking assistance after witnessing or being affected by the incident can call the WPD Victim Services Unit or the Youth Response Unit at the numbers above.
- Time of incident: shortly after 6 a.m.
- Location: near 10th and Spruce streets, Wilmington
- Victims: four adults transported to hospitals in stable condition
| Victim | Age | Sex |
|---|---|---|
| Victim 1 | 23 | Male |
| Victim 2 | 40 | Male |
| Victim 3 | 49 | Male |
| Victim 4 | 53 | Female |
The community reaction highlights continuing tensions over how city agencies address properties tied to crime and how to protect vulnerable residents living nearby. City leaders and public safety officials have frequently pointed to enforcement tools and community policing as part of broader efforts to reduce gun violence; residents say they want faster action and clearer results.
Investigators continue to seek witnesses and tips. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Chambers at (302) 576-3645 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
— Reported from Wilmington for WE NEWS.
