3 arrested after shots fired at officer in Westover Hills

Three robbery suspects were arrested after a shootout with a New Castle County police officer in Westover Hills. (Photo: Delaware Free News)

Three robbery suspects were arrested after a shootout with a New Castle County police officer in Westover Hills. (Photo: Delaware Free News)WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (7/28/2017) Three robbery suspects were arrested in the Westover Hills community near Wilmington after an exchange of gunfire with New Castle County police, authorities said.

The incident happened about 6:45 p.m. Thursday in the 1100 block of Westover Road. The victim was outside her home when a man took her purse, threatened her with a gun and fled on foot.

An officer responding attempted to stop someone matching a suspect description in the 2400 block of MacDonough Road when the gunfire was exchanged.

More gunfire ensued between the suspect and the officer after a foot pursuit.

The suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Jonathan Dryburgh, was eventually captured in the area of Greenhill Avenue and West Seventh Street, and two additional suspects were taken into custody in the area.

Neither the officer nor Dryburgh were struck by gunfire in the shootout, police said.

Dryburgh was treated at a hospital for a broken ankle as a result of running from the officer, police said.

A firearm was found in the area where Dryburgh was taken into custody, Master Cpl. Heather Carter said.

She said the other two suspects were a 16-year-old girl and 19-year-old Kevin Pullella.

The officer involved is an 11-year veteran of the police force and assigned to the K-9 Unit. His name was not released.

“Per departmental policy, the officer was placed on paid administrative leave while investigations are conducted,” Carter said.

Dryburgh was charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, second-degree conspiracy, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited due to a previous felony conviction. He later was sentenced to 31 years in prison after pleading guilty.

Pullella was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree conspiracy. Court records show those charges were later dropped after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of providing false information to law enforcement.

The 16-year-old girl was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree conspiracy.

Police asked anyone with information or surveillance images of the area to call 302-573-2800.

Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com.