Identity of man killed in Dewey officer-involved shooting released

Posted

DEWEY BEACH — Authorities on Monday released the name of the 21-year-old Milford man who died after being shot by a police officer over the weekend, though no further case update was provided beyond that.

Rodney K. Robinson Jr. was fatally shot by a Dewey Beach Police Department officer early Saturday, after a chase by two officers that began at The Starboard restaurant on Coastal Highway, Delaware State Police said.

Early Monday afternoon, DSP spokeswoman Master Cpl. Heather Pepper acknowledged the public’s interest in the incident. DSP held a press conference Saturday to divulge some information.

“We understand the community and media have numerous questions regarding this case,” she said. “I can assure you the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is working hard to answer these questions.

“Unfortunately, to ensure the integrity of this criminal investigation is not compromised, some of the questions asked will not be able to be answered right away.
“Once the investigation is complete and information is able to be released, it will be done so at that time. We thank you for your understanding.”

Additionally, Department of Justice spokesman Mat Marshall said, “We cannot comment on an active investigation. The Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust will review this incident and submit an investigative report which will be posted to our website.”

Officers were called to the scene for a report of a man with a gun at approximately 2:23 a.m. Authorities said Mr. Robinson fled before being shot in an alley on Saulsbury Street. He continued to flee but was located unconscious behind a commercial building in the 2100 block of Coastal Highway, police said.

Authorities said officers performed lifesaving measures on Mr. Robinson before emergency medical services arrived, then transported him to Beebe Healthcare, Lewes, where he was pronounced dead.

The Dewey Beach police officers involved in this incident were not injured.

DSP and the Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust are investigating the incident.
The officer, a 1 1/2-year member of the Dewey PD, was placed on standard administrative leave with pay and benefits, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The DSP Homicide Unit asks anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has video surveillance to contact Sgt. Stephen Yeich at 302-741-2703. Information may also be provided via DSP’s Facebook page or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or here.

Since 2020, DOJ has completed 10 other use-of-deadly-force investigations involving police officers, none of whom were determined criminally liable. Incidents occurred in Wilmington (four), Seaford, Viola, Rehoboth Beach, Milford, Claymont and Bear. An investigation into an incident in Long Neck is ongoing.

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X