20-year-old man charged in stabbing of New Castle County police officer

Police searched for suspect in area of Interstate 95 and Harvey Road in Claymont. (Photo: Delaware Free News)

CLAYMONT, DELAWARE (5/12/2019) A 20-year-old man has been charged in the stabbing of a New Castle County police officer, authorities reported today.

Richard Brennan (Photo: New Castle County police)

Richard Brennan was charged with one count felony possession of a deadly weapon during commission of a felony, one count second-degree felony assault injuring a law-enforcement officer, one count felony resisting arrest with force or violence, and one count of second-degree misdemeanor criminal trespass. He was being held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.

Police said the incident happened about 11:45 a.m. Saturday in the Northridge community, where officers went to investigate reports of a man trespassing in the backyards of several homes.

A man matching the description provided by callers was seen walking in the area of Harvey Road and Interstate 95. When an officer approached, the man fled on foot.

The officer caught up to the suspect and a struggle ensued, police said.

During the struggle, the officer suffered a stab wound to a lower extremity. He was being treated at a hospital for injuries police described as not life-threatening.

Brennan also was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.