No suspect has been identified in the apparent shooting of a 24-year-old Dover man. The alleged shooting took place on the night of September 9 in the Capitol Park subdivision south of Dover, according to a recent story in the Dover Post. Delaware State Troopers continue to search for the shooter. The victim has been treated for a gunshot wound to the leg.
The Dover area has seen an increase in shooting incidents over the last several weeks. Though shootings are still quite rare in the area, since late August, there have been three confirmed shootings in the Dover region. Dover Police, Delaware State Troopers and other area law enforcement agencies are still investigating the incidents and may aggressively pursue suspects. While this may lead to safer streets, it may also lead to zealous efforts to assure the public that the justice system is working.
Police Corporal Mark Hoffman is quoted in a Delaware Online story saying of the shootings, "I can assure the public we will be stopping at nothing until these suspects are captured and taken off our streets." While such dedication to public safety is commendable, the Constitution must always be prioritized especially when public outcries for justice are particularly loud. Criminal defense attorneys' responsibilities are particularly vital when crime seems to be on the increase.