Delco Prisoner Took Officer's Gun Before Being Shot, Killed: DA

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Authorities in Delaware County are investigating an incident in which a prison was shot and killed after escaping custody.

According to Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland, Darren Lamar Williams, 34, of Chester was shot and killed on June 28 outside the Linwood District Court.

Authorities say Williams broke free from police when being transported from the court to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility at about 10 a.m. June 28.

Williams and officers struggled, with Williams allegedly taking an officer's gun and shot himself in the stomach during a struggle for the gun and while trying to shoot the officer, authorities said. A Pennsylvania State Constable shot Williams twice at the same time.

Williams was pronounced dead by EMS personnel at the scene.

The DA's office said during the struggle, Williams was tasered but did not react to the weapon.

"While tragically a life was lost, our Delaware County law enforcement officers showed great courage," Copeland said. "At the risk of losing their own lives while protecting numerous innocent bystanders, they engaged in a violent struggle with a man who had an extensive criminal history, including firearms offenses and acts of violence. Every single day our law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to protect our community, and today was no different."

Williams was being arraigned at the Linwood District Court after being arrested June 27 in Chester on DUI, drug, resisting arrest, and related charges following a traffic stop during which he was driving a stolen vehicle.

Investigation by law enforcement revealed that there were two active warrants for Williams: one warrant for the stolen vehicle, and one warrant for terroristic threats emanating from Claymont, Delaware.

Law enforcement from Claymont, Delaware reported that on June 27 Williams threatened to kill two people.