Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-DE-9384B113- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Corporal Ballard gave the Delaware State Police 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Delaware. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Ballard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal Stephen Jamelle Ballard is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In DE, 25 of 51 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 49% of this state's fallen. That is 49 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Delaware State Police, 9 of 21 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Stephen Jamelle Ballard's cause is highlighted.
How Stephen Jamelle Ballard Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Stephen Jamelle Ballard is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Stephen Jamelle Ballard was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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