A Wednesday afternoon domestic dispute in Dover, Delaware, escalated into a barricade situation resulting in the arrest of 61-year-old Eric Dryden, according to the Dover Police Department.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at 3:34 p.m., Dover Police responded to a report of a domestic incident with a firearm discharged in the unit block of Stoney Drive. The investigation revealed an argument between Dryden and a victim, during which Dryden allegedly assaulted the victim and fired a round into a wall. The victim safely exited the residence and contacted police.
Initial attempts to persuade Dryden to leave the home were unsuccessful, prompting a response from the Dover Police Department’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT), the Dover Police Crisis Negotiations Team, and the Delaware State Police SORT. The incident caused significant traffic disruptions, requiring assistance from the Delaware Department of Transportation.
Dryden reportedly exited the residence multiple times while armed with a firearm before re-entering. During the standoff, authorities made the decision to disable electricity to the residence, requiring a City of Dover electric employee to approach the home escorted by a Delaware State Police officer in an armored vehicle and two Dover Police SORT members. While power was being disabled, Dryden allegedly discharged a firearm toward the exterior, nearly striking the electric employee and assisting officers.
The situation concluded when Dryden sustained a self-inflicted injury and surrendered to police. He was treated on scene and transported to an area hospital.
Dryden remains hospitalized and will face formal arraignment on multiple charges once medically cleared, including Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (two counts), Reckless Endangering (four counts), Aggravated Menacing, Resisting Arrest, and Offensive Touching. Dryden is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Dover Police Department expressed gratitude to the Capital School District for providing Dover High School as a safe location for displaced residents, as well as the Delaware State Police, the Delaware Department of Transportation, Kent County Paramedics, and Ambulnz for their support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the police response?
Dover Police responded to a report of a domestic incident in which a firearm had been discharged inside a residence on Stoney Drive.
Were any injuries reported during the incident?
The victim was assaulted during the initial altercation. Dryden sustained a self-inflicted injury and was transported to a hospital. An electric employee was nearly struck by a discharged firearm.
What charges is Eric Dryden facing?
Dryden will be formally arraigned on charges including Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited (2 counts), Reckless Endangering (4 counts), Aggravated Menacing, Resisting Arrest, and Offensive Touching.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what the full extent of the legal proceedings will be and what impact this incident will have on the Dover community.
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