Pike Creek shooting not random, police say

A man was shot Sunday night as he answered the door of his Pike Creek condominium, where residents say police brought him home from the hospital Monday morning.

A police evidence tag marked a hole in the front door screen and shattered glass covered his concrete stoop in the 5000 block of East Brigantine Court in the Mermaid Run Condominiums, just off Skyline Drive near Limestone Road (Del. 7).

New Castle County police said Monday afternoon that they have developed "a potential suspect" in the shooting.

They also determined the shooting was not a random act, Officer First Class Tom Jackson said.

One resident, who asked not to be identified, woke to the sound of gunfire about 10 p.m. Sunday.

"I heard two or three shots, then I heard a car speed off, the resident said. "It had kind of a sports car sound to it."

"At least he wasn't badly hurt," said the resident, who saw the injured man open the door for police, when they arrived minutes after the shooting. "He's such a nice man, I feel badly for him."

The injured neighbor was dropped off by police early Monday morning, then left the neighborhood, riding in a car driven by another person, according to residents. But police said he remained hospitalized. His condition was not disclosed, but police said he was described as stable.

The unidentified 39-year-old was shot once in the upper torso just after 10 p.m. and taken to Christiana Hospital, Jackson said.

The father-of-two has lived in Mermaid Run for about a year, according to residents, who say his elementary school age daughter and preschool-age son are pleasant children who play with other kids there.

One resident said the children were staying elsewhere with their mother. Police have not said whether the children were in the home at the time of the shooting.

Some residents of the short, tidy block said they learned of the shooting after they got home from work Sunday night or declined to comment, others talking to The News Journal only on the condition they not be identified.

One resident suspected the shooting had to have been a case of mistaken identity, describing the victim as "such a nice man."

She said she and her neighbors were "very surprised" and saddened by the shooting in what is typically a quiet and safe place to live.

"Nothing ever happens here," she said.

Police were continuing their investigation Monday, according to Jackson, who said more information will be released about the shooting when it becomes available.

Investigators ask anyone who saw the shooting or has a surveillance system in the area where it occurred to call them at (302) 573-2800.

Tips also may be given at www.nccpd.com, through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 and www.tipsubmit.com, on the department's Facebook page or using the New Castle County Police Smartphone Application, which is free to download for all iPhone and Android smartphones.

Staff reporter Cris Barrish contributed to this coverage.

Contact robin brown at (302) 324-2856 or rbrown@delawareonline.com. Find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @rbrowndelaware.