DSP News Release:  State Police Probe Lewes Area Home Invasion

Location: 

• Unit block Lakewood Drive (Lakewood Development) Lewes, DE

DATE and TIME:  

• Friday February 4, 2011 7:25 p.m.

Victim(s):

• 73 year old Lewes woman
• 82 year old Lewes man
• Husband/Wife

Suspect(s) Description:

• White Male 6’00”-6’02”, 185-220 lbs
• Clothing: Green Long Sleeve shirt, gray pants, darker colored knit cap and white T-shirt
• 4 door silver or gray sedan

 Resume:

 Lewes-Delaware State Police Friday February 4, 2011 investigated a home invasion which occurred in the unit block of Lakewood Drive in the Lakewood Development Lewes Delaware. 

Delaware State Police after being called learned the incident happened around 7:25 p.m. at the residence of a 73 year old woman and 83 year old man.  The victims are husband and wife.  The 73 year old victim Friday evening walked outside to check on a package she was expecting to be delivered when she observed a sliver or gray colored four door sedan backed into her driveway. 

The female victim next observed a white male suspect walking toward the front of her residence.  The suspect asked the victim for a numerical address however was told he was at the wrong residence.  The suspect also asked to utilize the victim’s phone and was declined. 

The female victim returned to her house and was inside for short amount of time when she heard a loud crash.  The crash came from the rear of the residence where she knew her husband; the 83 year old victim was sitting in his recliner. 

The female victim believing that her husband may have fallen went to investigate the loud noise.  When the victim arrived to the rear of the residence the same suspect who approached the residence earlier was now climbing through the sliding glass door he had just broken with a rock. 

The suspect brandished a knife and demanded money from the victims.  The 83 year old victim then took out his cane and began to strike the suspect about the body.  As the struggle ensued several items were grabbed by the suspect and thrown to the ground. 

The suspect next held his knife to the 73 year old victim and once again demanded money from her.  The female victim’s husband continued to fight with the suspect, which enabled his wife to flee and call for help.  The female victim initially attempted to call from the bedroom but the phone did not work.  Investigators later learned that the phone lines to the residence have been severed.   The victim then was able to flee to a nearby residence and called for police. 

No property or money was removed from the residence by the suspect.  No injury information available in regards to the victim’s in this case. 

Delaware State Police detectives are continuing their investigation and request anyone with information about his case to contact police immediately. 

Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).  Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call investigators at 302-856-5850 ext. 222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333