Full Breakdown
Masked Men Knock on Doors in New Castle County, Delaware
By Drooid · · How we work
Nighttime Door-Knocking Incident in Mallard Pointe
Late Friday night, at approximately 10:50 p.m., residents of the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive in the Mallard Pointe neighborhood reported a man wearing a black hockey-style mask and a tactical-style vest approach homes while carrying what appeared to be a rifle slung on his back. A second individual, also masked and vest-clad, was captured on police-released video approaching a different front door. The men knocked on doors before fleeing the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
The New Castle County Police Department dispatched officers and a K-9 unit to the area after the initial call. Officers conducted a search of the immediate vicinity and nearby properties but were unable to locate the suspects. Residents informed police that four men—two on bicycles and two on foot—were seen heading eastbound on Mallard Road after the door-knocking began. The department has asked anyone with additional video footage or information to contact 911 or the non-emergency line at 302-573-2800.
Description of Suspects and Apparent Weapons
Both men were shown wearing black tactical vests; one wore a mask resembling a “hockey-style” or “Joker-inspired” design. The individual in the first video appeared to have a rifle hanging from a strap on his back. Police have not confirmed that the weapons are functional firearms, stating that they believe the rifles are likely air-soft-style replicas.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident prompted heightened anxiety among Mallard Pointe residents, who described the encounter as “terrorizing.” The police department emphasized that the unknown nature of the weapons and the masked appearance of the suspects contributed to the community’s sense of unease.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to review security footage and follow up on tips. Authorities reiterated that anyone who observed the suspects or captured additional video should report it promptly to aid in identifying and locating the individuals involved.