4 people injured in Wilmington, Delaware shooting; ATF joins investigation
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Four people were injured in an early morning shooting in Wilmington on Tuesday, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has joined the investigation, authorities said.
The shooting happened around 6 a.m. near the intersection of 10th and Spruce streets. Police have not identified a suspect or announced a motive.
The victims, who range in age from 23 to 53, were taken to a hospital and were in stable condition, according to authorities.
Evidence markers could be seen scattered across the street in the aftermath of the shooting. An ATF K-9 was later brought in to search the area for additional evidence.
Cheryl Elzey, a property manager at a senior housing complex across from the shooting scene, said she heard a rapid series of gunshots.
"We were just sitting there, and all of a sudden just heard the gunshots," Elzey said. "It was rapid, like 10. I know I at least heard 10."
Elzey said she told a security guard that the noise was gunfire. When they went outside, she said, one of the victims was sitting on the steps calling for help.
"The victim was sitting on the steps hollering, 'I'm hit, I'm hit,'" she said.
Witnesses said they saw people scatter after the shots were fired. A man was also captured on a nearby surveillance camera limping away from the area.
Residents and city leaders said the shooting has renewed concerns about violence in the neighborhood.
"I'm really concerned about the residents that live here and all the gunfire that happens outside of the residence," Elzey said. "I don't want them to have to come out and they have to duck gunfire going in and coming out. I think that's so unfair."
Wilmington City Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver said the violence is frustrating, particularly as the city has invested in housing improvements in the area.
"I'm just frustrated because we spent, as a council, we have put a lot of money into housing around here," Oliver said. "It's getting a lot better, but it's things like this that make people not want to move to the neighborhood."
"It's just frustrating; it's sad because we have seniors who've been living over here for years and they shouldn't have to live like this," she added.
Elzey said a woman was shot in the area of Spruce Street the previous week and that her building has been struck by gunfire in the past.
"I have gunshot bullets all through my windows here, where gunshots have nicked the screen," she said. "This is not the first time, but by a long shot."
Wilmington police said officers have responded to the property just under a dozen times since January 2025.
The property was purchased about a year ago, according to the landlord, who said he is trying to sell the building. The landlord also said there are no active complaints or violations from the city.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have not released additional information about a possible suspect or motive.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to Detective Michael Chambers at (302) 576-3645. You can also provide information to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or delawarecrimestoppers.com.
The Wilmington Police Department Victim Services Unit is available to provide support, information and referrals to those who are victims of crime, and can be reached at (302). 576-3622. Additionally, the WPD Youth Response Unit is available to provide free counseling and services to children and their families who have been exposed to potentially traumatizing events, and can be reached at (302) 576-3183.
