Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Clayton, DE-  Delaware State Police are investigating the attempted burglary of a Clayton area home which involved the homeowner shooting at the suspect early this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, August 23, 2016, as a male occupant of a residence located in the 1000 block of Clayton Delaney Road, Clayton, heard noises coming from the back porch area of the home. The homeowner responded to the locked porch door, and upon looking outside, he observed a male suspect attempting to gain entry into the home. The suspect, upon seeing the homeowner, immediately fled from the porch and ran into a cornfield located in the rear of the yard. It was at this point that the homeowner proceed to fire multiple rounds from a handgun that he had in his possession toward the suspect. It is not believed that the suspect was struck however. Responding troopers, with the assistance of Delaware State Police Aviation (Trooper 4), as well as a Smyrna Police Department K-9 unit, searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. The homeowner was not injured.

The suspect was described as an unknown race male. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and had a mask covering his face. There is no further physical or clothing description available at this time.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Charges are not expected to be filed against the homeowner.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective Christian Hevelow at 302-365-8471. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

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Released: 082316 1610

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