NEW CASTLE, DE — A 29-year-old New Castle man faces attempted rape and burglary charges following an alleged attack involving an 80-year-old woman, with investigators also linking him to an earlier attempted burglary involving a 70-year-old woman in the same neighborhood.
The New Castle County Division of Police identified the defendant as Davonso Davis, 29, who was arrested following an Oct. 11 incident in the Overview Gardens community.
According to police, patrol officers responded to the unit block of Arbor Avenue at approximately 2:40 a.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call reporting a burglary and attempted rape involving an 80-year-old woman.
Officers arrived within minutes and located a man matching the suspect’s description. Police identified him as Davis.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit responded and expanded the investigation after learning of an earlier allegation that Davis had sexually harassed a family member of the victim.
Investigators also connected Davis to an alleged attempted burglary involving a 70-year-old woman on Sept. 24 in the unit block of Arbor Avenue, according to police.
Davis was initially transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Following his release Oct. 12, he was taken to New Castle County Police Headquarters and formally charged.
The charges include first-degree burglary, attempted second-degree rape without consent, and attempted first-degree burglary, all felonies.
Davis also faces misdemeanor charges of sexual harassment, second-degree criminal trespass, and criminal mischief involving less than $1,000 in damage.
Police did not disclose additional details about the alleged attempted sexual assault or the circumstances of the earlier attempted burglary.
Davis was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $100,300 cash bail, according to police.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the incidents, including individuals who may have experienced similar encounters, to contact Detective Alexandra Vansant at 302-395-8137 or Alexandra.Vansant@newcastlede.gov.
Information can also be provided through the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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