MILTON, Del. — A chaotic and violent series of events unfolded in Sussex County on the evening of Thursday, May 1, culminating in the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old Milford man, after a confrontation with Delaware State Police. Authorities have identified the deceased as Gregory Painter, who was shot and killed by troopers after allegedly charging at them with a knife.

The incident began earlier in the evening when Delaware State Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop involving Painter. According to the agency’s preliminary report, Painter refused to pull over, instead leading officers on a vehicle pursuit through rural parts of Sussex County. The situation quickly escalated as Painter reportedly drove erratically, at times endangering both officers and other drivers.

The pursuit came to an abrupt halt when Painter’s vehicle crashed or was otherwise disabled near the town of Milton, in a quiet residential area not typically touched by such violence. What followed was a disturbing sequence of events that would rattle the local community.

After abandoning his vehicle, Painter is said to have fled on foot and forced entry into a private residence in the area. Police have not disclosed whether the residence was chosen at random or if Painter had any known connection to the homeowners. Authorities confirmed that there were occupants inside the home at the time, though no injuries were reported among them.

Troopers quickly arrived on the scene, setting up a perimeter and attempting to secure the residence. According to police statements, during the confrontation inside the home, Painter armed himself with a knife and, despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, charged at troopers. In response, at least one officer discharged their firearm, fatally striking Painter.

Emergency medical personnel were dispatched immediately, but Painter was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Delaware State Police’s Homicide Unit, which investigates all officer-involved shootings in the state, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. As per standard protocol, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust has also been notified and will conduct an independent review to determine whether the use of deadly force was legally justified.

The scene remained active late into the evening on Thursday, with crime scene tape cordoning off the area and investigators interviewing witnesses, neighbors, and the homeowners impacted by the forced entry. Residents of the typically quiet Milton neighborhood expressed their shock and fear over the violent intrusion into their community.

“I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and we’ve never seen anything like this,” one resident told local reporters. “It’s terrifying to think that someone fleeing from the police could just burst into someone’s home.”

Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the situation unfolded rapidly and that troopers were placed in a position where they had to make a split-second decision to protect themselves and others in the home.

“This was a dangerous and volatile situation,” a DSP spokesperson said during a late-night press briefing. “Our troopers are trained to de-escalate whenever possible, but when faced with an imminent threat, they must act to preserve life.”

Painter’s criminal history and the reasons for the initial attempted traffic stop have not yet been disclosed, though police have indicated that additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.

As Delaware State Police continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event that began with a traffic stop and ended with a deadly confrontation. Support is being offered to the affected family, the troopers involved, and the homeowners who were unwillingly pulled into a terrifying situation.

Further details are expected in the coming days as authorities piece together the full timeline and assess all available evidence, including body camera footage and eyewitness testimony.