A Delaware State Police corporal, Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook, was fatally shot while working an overtime assignment at the New Castle DMV. The suspect, identified as 44‑year‑old Rahman Rose of Wilmington, allowed customers to leave before firing at officers and was later shot by police and died at a hospital. Snook, a 10‑year veteran, was honored in a procession as the community paid tribute. Authorities continue to investigate and are asking witnesses to come forward.
Del. Trooper Fatally Shot At New Castle DMV; Suspect Fired At Responding Officers Before Dying
Emergency vehicles respond to a shooting at a DMV office on December 23 in Delaware. - Damian Giletto/Delaware News Journal/USA Today Network/Imagn Images
A Delaware State Police corporal was fatally shot inside the New Castle DMV on Tuesday afternoon when a man posing as a customer approached from behind and opened fire, officials said. The suspect later fired at arriving officers and was shot by police; he later died at a hospital.
Sequence of Events
State Police Cpl. Matthew Snook, known as "Ty," was working an overtime assignment at the DMV reception desk when 44‑year‑old Rahman Rose of Wilmington entered as a customer, walked up behind him and shot him with a handgun, the Delaware State Police said in a news release. After Snook pushed a DMV employee out of harm's way and urged others to run, Rose allowed patrons to leave the building.
State Police Cpl. Matthew T. “Ty” Snook. - Delaware State Police
As law enforcement arrived and moved toward the office, Rose fired multiple rounds at officers. A New Castle County police officer returned fire from outside, striking Rose through a window. Rose was transported to a hospital and later died.
Officer, Community Response and Investigation
Snook was a 10‑year veteran of the Delaware State Police. On Wednesday, community members lined roadways and held signs of gratitude as troopers, police and firefighters escorted his body from the state medical examiner's office to a funeral home.
William Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police: "The outpouring of support reminds us that Ty's service and sacrifice will not be forgotten."
The shooting remains under active investigation. Authorities have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact detectives.
