A Rehoboth Beach man wanted on felony and misdemeanor theft charges was shot Feb. 19 by a Delaware State Police officer in the area of Plantation and Cedar Grove roads.

Keith M. Schueller, 42, is also a suspect in numerous burglaries that have occurred in Sussex County.  After being initially transported to Beebe Medical Center he was transferred to Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where he was admitted in critical condition.

The incident occurred at approximately 1 p.m. Feb. 19 as a trooper on routine patrol spotted a Jeep Cherokee traveling westbound on Postal Lane. The operator of the Jeep Cherokee was identified as Schueller. The trooper, driving in a fully marked patrol vehicle, activated the emergency equipment in an attempt to conduct a vehicle stop.

Schueller disregarded the police pursuit and drove through several yards in Sandy Brae. The Jeep re-entered Postal Lane traveling westbound, approaching the Plantation Road intersection. The Jeep traveled through a posted stop sign at the intersection, striking a southbound 2007 Chevrolet Silverado operated by a 70-year-old Lewes man, who was not injured as a result of the collision.

After the impact, Schueller exited his vehicle and fled on foot in a northwest direction through a cornfield. The trooper exited his vehicle and was joined by a second trooper. The second trooper deployed his Taser, which was ineffective. Schueller continued on foot behind a residence located in the 19000 block of Plantation Road.

The trooper chased the suspect to the corner of a barn behind the residence. Schueller armed himself with an approximately five-foot garden-type shovel, and raised it in a threatening manner, swinging it at the trooper. The trooper discharged one round from his weapon, striking Schueller in the upper body.