Dover Man Arrested After Barricade, Shooting at Officers

Charges Filed Against 61-Year-Old Eric Dryden Following Domestic Dispute Incident

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Wednesday afternoon domestic dispute in Dover, Delaware, escalated into a barricade situation resulting in the arrest of 61-year-old Eric Dryden. Dryden allegedly assaulted a victim and fired a round into a wall during the initial argument, prompting a response from the Dover Police Department's Special Operations Response Team, Crisis Negotiations Team, and support from the Delaware State Police.

Why it matters

Barricade situations involving firearms present significant challenges for law enforcement, requiring a delicate balance between public safety, officer safety, and the potential for de-escalation. The coordinated response involving multiple agencies underscores the complexity of these events.

The details

During the standoff, Dryden reportedly exited the residence multiple times while armed with a firearm before re-entering. Authorities disabled the electricity to the residence, and while power was being disabled, Dryden allegedly discharged a firearm toward the exterior, nearly striking an electric employee and assisting officers. The situation concluded when Dryden sustained a self-inflicted injury and surrendered to police.

  • On Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at 3:34 p.m., Dover Police responded to the incident.
  • The situation concluded when Dryden surrendered to police.

The players

Eric Dryden

A 61-year-old Dover, Delaware resident who was arrested following the barricade situation.

Dover Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, including its Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and Crisis Negotiations Team.

Delaware State Police

The state police agency that provided support during the barricade situation.

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What’s next

Dryden remains hospitalized and will face formal arraignment on multiple charges once medically cleared.

The takeaway

The coordinated response by multiple law enforcement agencies highlights the complexity of handling barricade situations involving firearms, underscoring the need for specialized training and tactics to prioritize public safety and de-escalation.