MIDDLETOWN, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested two Wilmington residents in connection with a residential burglary on Dupont Parkway, where a teenager was home during the attempted break-in.
Authorities said 61-year-old Ivis McGriff and 71-year-old Era Gill were taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after McGriff was found attempting to enter the rear door of the residence. The teenager inside the home contacted police, who arrived on the scene at approximately 1:55 p.m.
Investigators determined that McGriff drove a gray Dodge Dakota to the home and unlawfully entered a screened-in porch, where he removed a grill. He then tried to break into the home through the front door and rear door but was unsuccessful. Police found Gill seated in the truck parked in the driveway.
Troopers observed signs of impairment in McGriff and found open and empty alcoholic beverage containers inside the truck. A subsequent records check revealed that McGriff had three prior DUI convictions.
Both suspects were transported to Troop 9, where they were charged with multiple offenses. McGriff was arraigned and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $32,000 cash bond.
Police have not disclosed further details about the pair’s motives or additional charges Gill may face.
The attempted burglary highlights ongoing concerns about residential safety in the area.
