Officers praised for thwarting University of Delaware attack
NEWARK, Del. (WPVI) -- An entire community in Delaware has a message for three New Castle County police officers: "Thank you."
The officers thwarted what officials say could have been a horrific attack at the University of Delaware.
"The good work of these officers, the quick work of these officers saving a whole lot of lives," said New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry.
Officers First Class Christopher Hewlitt, Nathan Jupiter, and Jay Scerbo were honored for their actions, which stopped what officials say could have been a violent attack.
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"We could have been dealing with a very, very, very bad situation, but we're not because of you," said Delaware House Speaker State Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, as she addressed the three officers at a recognition ceremony inside the New Castle County Police Department.
On November 24, the officers were doing their standard evening patrols when they noticed a car in a park after hours.
"(We) made the initiative to go in there. Saw a car with their lights on," said Officer Jay Scerbo.
Police say inside that car was a loaded handgun that had been converted to a submachine-type gun, along with body armor, and a notebook containing plans to conduct an attack on the campus.
The suspect, who was inside the car and arrested at the scene, is Luqmaan Kahn. The attack authorities believe he was planning never happened.
"I can't thank you officers enough for following your instincts, conducting a thorough investigation, and, at the end of the day, averting a terrorist attack," said Chief Patrick Ogden of the University of Delaware Police Department.
"The pride that this organization has in you is somehting that you should feel today and for the remainder of your career," said New Castle County Police Chief Col. James Leonard III, speaking to the officers.
With recognition from the Delaware State House and Senate, the officers are being praised for their quick thinking.
It's praise they deserve, but definitely didn't seek.
"It's day in and day out for us," said Officer Christopher Hewlitt. "This just happened to be something a little different and outside the scope of our day-to-day investigation."
Without that officer's instinct, though, the story could have turned out much differently.
"I'm just appreciative that we were able to stop this threat before something terrible happened," said Officer Nathan Jupiter.
The New Castle County community is also thankful for three officers whose actions kept the peace.
"Truly, truly," said Delaware State Senator Bryan Townsend, "thank you."
