Walker disputed the state’s account in a brief written statement issued by his lawyer.
“Trooper Walker witnessed a severely intoxicated individual commit an assault against a restaurant patron. That same severely intoxicated individual then assaulted Trooper Walker,” wrote defense attorney John Denney. “We look forward to presenting the whole truth in court.”
Denney, who formerly headed the Division of Public Trust, would not elaborate.
Walker’s alleged assault victim, Jerry Hodge of Cecil County, Maryland, was initially arrested and charged with assaulting Walker and the man he was originally fighting, plus disorderly conduct, but prosecutors later dropped the case against him. Hodge would not comment on the incident, nor would anyone from Nicola Pizza.
Prosecutors said Walker did tell troopers at the scene that he had been attacked, but didn’t identify Hodges as his assailant. Instead, according to prosecutors, Walker said the “intervening” patron he had allegedly pushed to the ground had attacked him. That man, Charles Copeland of Townsend, was briefly detained but was not charged. Copeland would not comment.
But the state police superintendent, Col. William Crotty, said after the indictment was issued that “video evidence raised concerns about the accuracy” of Walker’s account “and the level of force utilized.”
Walker was suspended with full pay and benefits while authorities decided whether any charges were merited. The trooper earned $225,400 in 2024, including overtime pay, and this year his annual salary is $167,000.
State police also referred the matter to the Division of Public Trust “for independent review,” Crotty said, adding that he holds “troopers to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously.”
Jennings said in a written statement that “we expect all Delaware law enforcement to uphold their oath to serve and protect. We will prosecute this case, and every case, with the utmost care. I am deeply grateful to our team, and to the Delaware State Police for their swift response and thorough cooperation.”
