7 Major Incidents Shaping Wilmington DE Police News: A Deep Dive Into Current Investigations (December 2025 Update)
The City of Wilmington, Delaware, is currently navigating a complex and dynamic public safety landscape as of December 2025, with the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) managing several high-profile criminal investigations while simultaneously focusing on police accountability and recruitment efforts. The latest news reflects a city grappling with both persistent violent crime challenges, particularly a troubling rise in homicides, and significant progress in dismantling organized drug networks and improving community relations.
This up-to-the-minute report provides a fresh look at the most critical developments and ongoing cases involving the WPD, highlighting the strategic direction of the department under its current leadership. From major drug busts to the indictment of a suspended officer, the news paints a clear picture of the city's commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing internal integrity issues.
Profile of Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos: A Biographical Snapshot
The leadership of the Wilmington Police Department is currently defined by the tenure of Chief Wilfredo Campos, a 26-year veteran who made history as the city's first Latino police chief.
- Name: Wilfredo Campos
- Role: 33rd Chief of Police, Wilmington Police Department (WPD)
- Appointment: Appointed by Mayor Mike Purzycki, succeeding Robert Tracy.
- Background: A native of Puerto Rico, Chief Campos was raised on Wilmington's West Side, giving him a deep, personal connection to the community he serves.
- Career Highlights: Prior to his appointment, Campos held the rank of Captain, the third-highest in the department. His extensive career includes assignments in the Uniformed Services Division, the Community Policing Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Division.
- Focus: His leadership is strongly centered on building bonds of trust with residents and implementing strategies to reduce violence, a critical focus given the city's recent crime trends.
The 7 Most Critical Wilmington Police Incidents and Updates (Late 2025)
The WPD has been at the forefront of numerous significant events in late 2025. These seven incidents and initiatives represent the department's core challenges and successes in maintaining law and order across the city.
1. Indictment of Suspended Wilmington Police Officer
In a major development concerning internal accountability, the Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an indictment against a suspended Wilmington Police Officer in November 2025. This case, which followed an investigation led by the WPD, underscores the department's commitment to transparency and addressing misconduct within its ranks. Chief Wilfredo Campos publicly stated that the department immediately brought the matter to the DOJ's attention, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for corruption or breach of public trust.
2. Sentencing in High-Profile Gang-Related Kidnapping and Murder
A significant victory for justice was marked on December 9, 2025, when three individuals were sentenced in connection with a major gang-related kidnapping and murder case in Wilmington. The shooter in the case received a life sentence, concluding a complex and lengthy investigation that involved the WPD's Criminal Investigations Division. This sentencing sends a strong message regarding the consequences of organized crime and violence within the city and serves as a critical step in addressing gang activity.
3. Major Drug Network Dismantling and Weapon Seizures
The WPD, often working in conjunction with the New Castle County Police and federal partners, has achieved substantial success in combating the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms. A major investigation reached its climax in May 2025 with the arrest of Daronce Beulah and Karon Phillips in Wilmington. This operation successfully dismantled a drug network, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of heroin and multiple firearms. Furthermore, in a separate morning drug arrest, police recovered crack cocaine and cash following an investigation.
4. Ongoing Investigations into Recent Shootings and Violent Crime
Despite an overall reported 21% drop in total crime for the previous year (2024), the city continues to face a significant challenge with violent crime, particularly an increase in the murder rate. As of December 2025, the WPD is actively investigating a shooting that left one woman hospitalized, highlighting the ongoing nature of gun violence in the city. These incidents are a stark reminder of the need for sustained efforts in community violence intervention and law enforcement presence in key neighborhoods.
5. Launch of the 106th Wilmington Police Academy
In a forward-looking initiative, Mayor Mike Purzycki (or Mayor Carney, depending on the most recent update) and Chief Campos announced in December 2025 that the application period for the 106th Wilmington Police Academy was open. This aggressive recruitment drive is a vital component of the WPD's long-term strategy to increase staffing levels, enhance diversity within the department, and ensure a continuous pipeline of well-trained officers to better serve the city’s residents. The focus is on attracting dedicated individuals who reflect the city’s demographics.
6. Swift Arrests in Property Crime Cases
The WPD has demonstrated efficiency in responding to and closing property crime cases. A notable example occurred in December 2025 with the swift arrest of Ivory Duckery following a burglary call on Wilmington streets. These quick actions are crucial for deterrence and for reassuring the community that police are responsive to crimes that directly impact residents' sense of security, such as burglaries and attempted carjackings, which have also seen arrests in the area.
7. The Context of Crime Statistics and Community Policing
The backdrop for all current WPD operations is the city's complex crime data. While overall crime, including shootings, saw a noticeable reduction in 2024, the murder rate increased by 71%. This disparity has sharpened the WPD’s focus on targeted violence reduction strategies. The department continues to rely on its CompStat reports and crime mapping technology to allocate resources effectively and inform its community policing efforts, ensuring officers are deployed where they can have the greatest impact on violent crime hotspots.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Policing in Wilmington
The Wilmington Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Campos, is clearly focused on a dual strategy: aggressive enforcement against violent crime and drug trafficking, coupled with a strong emphasis on internal integrity and community engagement. The recent news cycle—dominated by the indictment of a suspended officer, major drug busts, and the launch of a new police academy—reflects a department in transition, committed to addressing its challenges head-on.
The collaboration between the WPD, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the New Castle County Division of Police is a recurring theme, suggesting a unified front in tackling regional crime issues. As the city moves into the new year, the success of the 106th Police Academy and the WPD's ability to sustain the reduction in overall crime while tackling the persistent issue of homicides will be the key metrics for public safety in Wilmington, DE. The community's support and trust remain essential components of this ongoing effort.
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