On Thursday morning, authorities identified a suspected cop killer who shot dead following an overnight standoff in Middletown.

Authorities said Burgon Sealy, Jr., 26, of Middletown shot and killed Corporal Stephen Ballard at a Bear-area Wawa Wednesday.

"[Ballard] went to work every day putting his life on the line." said Gov. John Carney Thursday. "Yesterday, he gave his life performing that service."

Authorities said Thursday morning just before 8:30 a.m. they've used explosive breaching charges on several points of the house overnight, including breaching the front door at 8:22 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, and several windows around 4 a.m.

Just before 10 a.m., Sealy was killed, and the barricade situation had ended after nearly 20 hours.

According to Delaware State Police Superintendent Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Sealy, armed with a gun, exited the home in which he'd been barricaded at 9:17 a.m. and "engaged police." He had been firing at officers with an unknown type weapon sporadically throughout the standoff. He was shot by law enforcement and pronounced dead at the scene at 9:29 a.m. No motive was given for the shooting. McQueen would not say whether terrorism or drugs played a role in the shooting, saying that's all still under investigation.

"We owe Cpl. Ballard, and all these officers who serve on our behalf, an enormous debt of gratitude," Carney said. "We should always be mindful, and grateful, and appreciative of their presence... This is a very sad day. I stand before you with an aching heart."

Ballard had approached a vehicle parked in the lot of a Wawa at Route 40 and Salem Church Road, having reported it as suspicious, and asked the passenger and driver for ID.

The passenger, Sealy, allegedly shot Ballard with a gun he produced from his waistband after Ballard asked him to step out of the vehicle. Ballard, an 8.5 year veteran of the force, attempted to flee for cover behind another parked vehicle, but never made it. Sealy shot him again, dropping him to the pavement, and then approached and fired several rounds at close range into Ballard, McQueen said.

"This is a tragic time for the Delaware State Police and the state of Delaware," McQueen said. "The actions of Stephen yesterday exemplify the dedication that he brought to the citizens of Delaware on a daily basis. As I stand here today, there are countless troopers up and down our state demonstrating that same commitment to the citizens and communities they serve."

This all took place in broad daylight, just after noon on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Ballard was transported to Christiana Hospital, where it was announced he'd succumbed to his injuries just before 5 p.m. that evening.

“One of our sworn troopers has lost his life performing a duty on behalf of the people of Delaware,” said Carney in a released statement Wednesday evening. “My heart is with the officer’s family and the officers who have served beside him. Delaware's law enforcement officers go to work every day knowing they put their lives on the line to protect ours. We are incredibly indebted to their bravery and service.”

Carney Wednesday night ordered both the U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Ballard.

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Sealy fled in a grey Honda, his own vehicle which he'd driven to the Wawa, to his home in the Brick Mill Farms community in Middletown. He barricaded himself inside and had fired at police throughout the evening, leading up to the ultimate confrontation that resulted in his death.

Police said Sealy had called family members and informed them of his actions, which led them to his location.

The Brick Mill Farms development was evacuated during the ordeal, and the Odessa Fire Company had been providing assistance for displaced residents.

Ballard became the department's fourth trooper death by gunfire in the line of duty in the department's 94-year history. He is the first to be killed since 1972, when troopers Ronald Carey and David Yarrington died in a gun battle with robbery suspects.

“This situation is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks our police and first responders face when they take an oath to keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Chris Coons. “My thoughts and prayers are with the trooper’s family, the Delaware State Police and the state’s entire law enforcement family.”

A second suspect was taken into custody at the scene of the shooting, according to police. That individual also remained unidentified by Thursday morning.