Suspect Charged In New Castle County Officer's Death

NEW CASTLE, Del. (AP) -- New Castle County Police are charging a 32-year-old Wilmington man with fatally stabbing an officer who was trying to arrest him.

Police say David Salasky was released from Christiana Hospital on Sunday and charged with first-degree murder and a weapons charge in the death of Sgt. Joseph Szczerba, an 18-year veteran. Authorities say Salasky was being treated for a medical condition unrelated to his arrest.

Police say Szczerba chased someone he thought could be a suspect in a car break-in near New Castle around midnight Thursday and was stabbed in a struggle.

Three other officers received minor injuries as they struggled with the man and took him into custody, but authorities say 44-year-old Szczerba was pronounced dead at Christiana Hospital.

Salasky is being held without bail.

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