April 27 (UPI) -- A man suspected of killing a Delaware state trooper in a gas station parking lot was killed by police after a 21-hour standoff at his home, officials said.
Cpl. Stephen J. Ballard, 32, an eight-year veteran of the Delaware State Police, approached a "suspicious" vehicle with two men inside parked outside a Wawa store in Bear, Del., a suburb of Wilmington. One man opened fire, Ballard was shot multiple times. The shooter, identified by The News Journal as Burgon Sealy, Jr., fled the scene, while a second man was arrested.
Law enforcement gave chase and tracked Sealy to his home in nearby Middletown, Del. Police used an explosive device to shatter the home's front door and windows, but did not enter. They were attempting to negotiate an end to the standoff when around 9:15 a.m. Eastern, Sealy exited the home and opened fire. Police quickly returned fire and killed him. No other officers were injured.
"This is a sad day for our state and for the Delaware State Police family," said Delaware State Police Superintendent Nathaniel McQueen
"My heart is with the officer's family and the officers who have served beside him," Delaware Gov. John Carney said in a statement.
