2 minNews
Masked Men With Apparent Weapons Knock on Delaware Doors, Prompting Police Search
New Castle County police are searching for at least two masked men, one apparently carrying a rifle, who knocked on doors in the Mallard Pointe neighborhood late Friday. No arrests have been made, and authorities believe the weapons may have been airsoft-style guns.
New Castle County police are searching for at least two masked men who were recorded on home security cameras knocking on doors in a Delaware neighborhood late Friday, including one who appeared to be carrying a rifle. The images, released by the New Castle County Police Department, show a man wearing a tactical-style vest and holding what appears to be a rifle as he knocks on a front door. A separate image shows another individual approaching a door in a black vest and mask.
Officers were called to the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive in the Mallard Pointe section of New Castle at about 10:50 p.m. Friday after a report of a suspicious person. Residents told police that a man wearing a black hockey-style mask and a tactical-style vest approached homes while carrying what appeared to be a rifle. According to police, the man knocked on doors before running away.
Authorities said four other men were seen heading eastbound on Mallard Road — two on bicycles and two on foot. Officers and a K-9 unit searched the neighborhood and nearby properties but were unable to locate the individuals. Police have not confirmed whether the weapons were real firearms, but they said they believe the weapons may have been airsoft-style guns.
The incident has left residents in the neighborhood on edge, though no injuries or property damage have been reported. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or home security footage from the surrounding area to call 911 or the department's non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
The search involved multiple officers and a K-9 unit, but the suspects remain at large. Investigators have not said whether the men were attempting to break into homes or whether the episode was a prank or intimidation tactic. The presence of apparent weapons, even if they turn out to be airsoft guns, has raised concerns in the community.
New Castle County police continue to investigate and are urging residents to review their security cameras for any footage that might help identify the individuals. No arrests have been announced.
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