GEORGETOWN, Del. — An 83-year-old Sussex County woman locked herself in a bedroom and activated her panic alarm after an armed intruder allegedly forced his way into her Georgetown home and searched the residence, according to Delaware State Police. More than two weeks later, investigators arrested a Millsboro man they say was responsible for the frightening daytime home invasion.
The arrest brings new developments to a case that began when a home security alert prompted troopers to rush to a residence on Lawson Road.
Elderly Homeowner Took Shelter During Intrusion
According to Delaware State Police, troopers responded at approximately 10:30 a.m. on May 15 to the 24000 block of Lawson Road after a home security vendor reported a panic alarm activation.
When troopers arrived, they learned that the homeowner, an 83-year-old woman, had activated the alarm after an unknown man allegedly forced his way into the residence as she opened her front door.
Investigators said the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded to see another individual he believed was inside the home.
Fearing for her safety, the woman retreated to a bedroom, locked the door, and activated her panic alarm.
Police said the suspect searched through the residence before leaving the property in an unknown direction.
The victim was not physically injured.
Investigation Identified Suspect
Detectives with the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit launched an investigation immediately after the incident.
Through investigative efforts, authorities identified Robert Berry, 44, of Millsboro, as the suspect.
Investigators subsequently obtained an arrest warrant.
On May 28, Berry was taken into custody and transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4.
Key Points
• An 83-year-old woman activated her panic alarm during an armed home invasion in Georgetown.
• Police allege the suspect forced his way inside and pointed a handgun at the victim.
• The homeowner locked herself in a bedroom while the suspect searched the house.
• Robert Berry, 44, of Millsboro, was arrested nearly two weeks later.
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Following his arrest, Berry was charged with:
- Attempted Robbery First Degree
- Home Invasion Burglary First Degree
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
- Possession, Purchase, Ownership, or Control of a Firearm by a Person Previously Convicted of Two Violent Felonies on Separate Occasions
- Aggravated Menacing
All of the charges are felony offenses.
According to Delaware State Police, Berry was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2.
Held on $166,000 Cash Bond
After arraignment, Berry was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution.
Authorities said he is being held on a $166,000 cash bond.
The investigation did not indicate that anything was stolen from the residence, and police have not released additional information regarding the person the suspect was allegedly seeking inside the home.
Berry has been charged but not convicted. The allegations will be addressed through the Delaware court system, where he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
