Delaware Officer Killed During Struggle

Sept. 16, 2011

New Castle County Officer Joe Szczerba was taking the suspect into custody when he stabbed and was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A New Castle County police officer was fatally stabbed during a struggle with a suspect early Friday morning, according to The News Journal.

Officer Joe Szczerba, 44, responded to a call for a disorderly person in the Penn Acres community around midnight and was taking the suspect into custody when he was wounded; Cpl. John Weglarz Sr. told the newspaper.

The 18-year veteran was transported to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect was taken into custody and police continue to investigate the incident.

"It's one of the saddest days in the department," Weglarz said. "It's tragic."

The last New Castle County officer to die in the line of duty was Cpl. Paul John Sweeney on Nov. 30, 1972, a month after a crash.