Elderly Georgetown Resident Uses Panic Alarm During Armed Home Invasion, Police Say
GEORGETOWN, DE — Delaware State Police are searching for an armed intruder who forced his way into a Georgetown home Friday morning, pointed a handgun at an 83-year-old woman, and searched the residence before fleeing, authorities said.
The home invasion happened around 10:30 a.m. in the 24000 block of Lawson Road after troopers responded to a panic alarm activation reported by a home security company, according to Delaware State Police.
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Investigators said the elderly victim opened her front door when an unknown man suddenly forced his way inside the residence.
Once inside, the suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at the woman and demanded to see another person he believed was inside the home.
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Police said the woman managed to escape into a bedroom, lock the door, and activate her panic alarm while the intruder searched through the house.
The suspect fled before troopers arrived.
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Authorities said the 83-year-old victim was not physically injured during the encounter.
Investigators have not said whether the suspect stole anything from the residence or why he believed another individual was inside the home.
The suspect was described as a white man wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. Detectives believe he may have been operating a black pickup truck.
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The incident unfolded in a rural area outside Georgetown, where homes are often spread farther apart than in more densely populated neighborhoods.
Key Points
• Delaware State Police said an armed intruder forced his way into a Georgetown home
• An 83-year-old woman activated a panic alarm after locking herself in a bedroom
• Detectives are searching for a suspect possibly driving a black pickup truck
Troopers Seek Witnesses and Surveillance Footage
The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Criminal Investigation Unit is leading the investigation.
Detectives are asking anyone who noticed suspicious activity near Lawson Road Friday morning or who may have surveillance footage from the area to contact investigators.
Home invasions involving elderly residents often trigger heightened concern among investigators because of the vulnerability of victims and the unpredictable nature of confrontations inside residences.
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Police have not indicated whether the suspect specifically targeted the home or whether the intruder may have mistaken the residence for another location.
Authorities are also working to determine how long the suspect remained inside the house before fleeing.
Investigation Remains Active
Investigators have not announced any arrests as of Saturday evening.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective L. Coleman at (302) 752-3813. Tips can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to Delaware State Police or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Police said the investigation into the Georgetown home invasion remains ongoing.
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