Man accused of trying to kill Delco police officer will go to trial

As 34-year-old Donte Island was led into Secane District Court in shackles, the mother of the man Island is charged with trying to kill, watched from a courtroom window. Till now, Jeanne Dorman had only seen photos.

"It was upsetting a little bit to see him. But I got it past me and that's that."

26-year-old Folcroft borough patrol officer Christopher Dorman had entered the courtroom moments earlier, a facial scar the only obvious sign of damage to a man shot seven times in the line of duty.

"Christmas Eve will be six months. You got your son."

"I'm very pleased and proud and the luckiest father in the world."

"Nice Christmas gift."

"Yeah it's a Christmas blessing, no doubt, we're very fortunate."

It was the morning of June 24, Dorman testified, when he approached Island behind an apartment building in the 1500 block of Elmwood, in a drug investigation.

Dorman says Island punched him in the head then opened fire as he fell.

Dorman testified he retreated to safety as a backup officer arrived and traded shots with Island, who was later captured inside the apartment building.

The .40 caliber handgun used in the shooting was linked to Island in fact, had been purchased by his wife.

Dorman spent three days in the hospital then was released to a hero's welcome. The six months since have been an emotional time for his parents. Their son is back on the job, doing what he loves.

...and they will be together for Christmas.

"Just so blessed. I think it's nothing short of a miracle that he survived what he survived and God said 'not today.'"