New Castle County Police Department, Delaware
End of Watch: Friday, September 16, 2011
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: 28
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: September 16, 2011
Weapon Used: Edged weapon; Knife
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Lieutenant Joe Szczerba was fatally stabbed while struggling with a suspect shortly after midnight.
Lieutenant Szczerba had responded to backup other officers who were searching for a disorderly man near Penn Acres Park. He located the man at East Roosevelt Avenue and Fithian Drive and, after a short foot chase, began to struggle with him. During the struggle the subject pulled out a knife and stabbed Lieutenant Szczerba in the neck.
Other officers were able to take the subject into custody. Lieutenant Szczerba was transported to Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to the wound.
On September 30th, 2013, the subject pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree murder and 13 additional counts. On January 17th, 2014, the subject was sentenced to life terms in prison without parole.
Lieutenant Szczerba had served with the New Castle County Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and family.
Lieutenant Szczerba was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and awarded the department's Medal of Honor.