Delaware State Police, Delaware
End of Watch Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Add to My HeroesStephen Jamelle Ballard
Corporal Stephen Ballard was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle at a gas station on Pulaski Highway, near Salem Church Road, in Bear, Delaware.
He made contact with two people he observed in the vehicle, at which point one of the men began struggling with him. The man pushed Corporal Ballard away from him and began to run. After taking several steps he turned around and opened fire on Corporal Ballard, wounding him. The man then chased Corporal Ballard as he sought cover behind a vehicle. The man shot him numerous times, including several times after Corporal Ballard fell to the ground.
Responding officers apprehended one of the subjects at the scene. The second subject fled to his home where he barricaded himself inside. After a long standoff, the subject exited his home and opened fire on officers, who returned fire killing him.
Corporal Ballard had served with the Delaware State Police for 8-1/2 years and was assigned to Troop 2, Glasgow. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.
In January 2020, LaGrange Avenue, leading to Delaware State Police Troop 2, was renamed Cpl. Stephen Ballard Way in his honor.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 8 years, 6 months
- Badge 1305
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 237 ReflectionsCorporal Ballard, i'm sorry for what happened to you that day 8 years ago, as your killing was unnecessary and cruel. The man who took your life had no reason to kill you, as he was mainly possessed by hatred and fueled with cruelty, as he was a demon in disguise. However, on the bright side of things, you were avenged in death as your brothers in blue and with DSP, ended up taking the trash out as they killed him during a standoff, as he was foolish enough to try and go against an army of well-trained officers, which in itself says alot on how cowardly he was and the fact he was foolish enough to even attempt in doing so. There's not an answer as to why he did what he did, but i can say this: He was possessed. His actions that day define how evil and unlawful he was, since he truly believed that he was unstoppable and that he could get away with what he did, but karma eventually caught up to him and resulted in him being thrown in the dirt, which was one of the only things best to do since putting him in jail isn't enough for what he did. Thankfully, with that being said, that means he won't harm anyone else again as the consequences of his actions caught up to him in a rather quick fashion. But in other words, i'd like to focus on the positive aspect. With you being a delaware trooper for over 8 years, that means that you were one of the dedicated and brave officers that served their community. There are some cops out there who either can't do their job right, or they aren't fit for it in general, but with men like you serving the community and setting the example for those who don't know what to do, you paved ways for those who were unsure of how to do their job, along with the way you inspired others who were impacted by your selfless act of service. Also, another thing i'd like to add is that i'm sure your daughter has gotten old enough to learn about your legacy, as it was unfortunately left behind due to a senseless coward who knew nothing but hate, and your daughter will grow up to truly learn about who her father was and what you did for your people and your community. Although i myself am not a police officer or a trooper of any kind, i know that it's unfortunately true that not all officers return home to their families, which is a shame in itself and proves how many evil people exist in the world. It doesn't fail to make me feel some way about the fact that people are sick enough to kill not just an officer who's doing their job, but an officer who not only has a family at home, and an officer who is there to stop them from doing harm and causing trouble, but ofcourse with how society is today that's only gotten worse. But on the flip side, those who's intent is to kill and harm police will receive their judgement day, as Karma is very real, and in this case, Karma caught up to someone by the likes of him since it knew that men like him deserve to be put down. In other words, i'm sure that during your nearly 10 years of service you were able to make a larger impact and difference to those who couldn't see the light, and you were able to educate others on what troopers do and the fact they risk everything everyday to ensure their safety is meet, and show those that not all police are bad, and that their are some good officers out there who really go out of their way to show their community what a single act of kindness can do to change the way others think about police. Overall, i believe that your service is more than appreciated, as it is one that will be remembered by many and those who knew you and got a chance to meet you, and learn about who you were as a person. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that the people of Delaware cherished your service while you were alive, and as long as your name is said and you're remembered, you aren't truly dead as you live on in the hearts and minds of others, and you serve as a guardian angel to those who knew you, especially your daughter and wife, who can sleep peacefully knowing that you're there in heaven and watching and protecting over them, as you're now one of God's soldiers in heaven, and that you ensure their safety whilst they're out in the world living their lives, the same way you ensured safety over your community and your people. As of now, may you rest in peace knowing that your service is appreciated, and that the people of Delaware will always remember you and your service, along with those who recently learn about your story and who you were as a man. Rest Well Mr. Ballard
Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line
June 25, 2025
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