NEW CASTLE, DE — Two teenagers face harassment, criminal mischief and trespassing charges after police determined that reports of masked individuals approaching homes with what appeared to be a rifle in a New Castle neighborhood stemmed from a late-night prank.
The New Castle County Division of Police identified the suspects as two juveniles, ages 16 and 17, following an investigation into suspicious activity reported in the Mallard Pointe neighborhood.
According to police, officers responded to the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive at approximately 10:50 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, after residents reported a suspicious individual approaching homes.
Witnesses told investigators that an unidentified male wearing a black hockey-style mask and tactical-style vest had approached residences carrying what appeared to be a rifle, knocked on doors and fled.
Residents also reported seeing four males traveling east on Mallard Road, two riding bicycles and two on foot.
Responding officers, assisted by a K-9 unit, searched the neighborhood and surrounding properties but were unable to locate the individuals.
On Sunday, Oct. 11, investigators received information that helped identify two individuals depicted in photographs previously released by police. Officers subsequently contacted the 16- and 17-year-old suspects.
As part of the investigation, police obtained and executed a search warrant at one juvenile’s residence, recovering a gel bead gun, a tactical vest and a hockey-style mask.
Investigators determined that the juveniles had allegedly participated in a prank involving knocking on residents’ doors late at night, causing concern among neighbors.
Police also determined that no threats of violence were made during the incidents.
Both juveniles were charged with two misdemeanor counts of harassment, one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief and two summary violations of criminal trespass, according to police.
Arraignment information for both defendants was pending at the time authorities provided the update.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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