Two masked suspects entered a Culbreath Street home Sunday afternoon; police are seeking witnesses and information

SMYRNA — Delaware State Police are investigating an armed home invasion in Smyrna after two masked suspects entered an occupied residence Sunday afternoon, threatened a victim with a handgun and escaped with cash and personal property.

Troopers were called to a residence in the 800 block of Culbreath Street at about 2:20 p.m. Oct. 11 for a reported armed robbery.

Police said two victims were inside the home when the two masked suspects entered. One suspect pointed a handgun at one of the victims and demanded money. The suspects then searched the residence before leaving with cash and personal belongings, according to State Police.

Neither victim was injured.

Police have not released descriptions of the suspects beyond saying they were masked, nor have investigators said how the suspects entered the home, whether the victims knew them or whether investigators believe the residence was specifically targeted.

The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit is handling the investigation.

What is a home invasion?

The term “home invasion” generally distinguishes this kind of crime from the burglary of an empty house because people are inside when the intruders enter, creating the possibility of a direct confrontation.

Delaware law specifically recognizes “home invasion burglary first degree” under certain circumstances. The statute applies when someone unlawfully enters or remains in an occupied dwelling intending to commit a crime and, during the entry, crime or immediate flight, commits or attempts certain serious felonies, including robbery, assault, murder, manslaughter, rape or kidnapping.

That distinction helps explain why an incident such as Sunday’s can be particularly concerning to residents. A conventional residential burglary may occur when no one is home. In a home invasion, occupants can suddenly find themselves face to face with an intruder.

State Police have described Sunday’s incident as an armed home invasion but have not announced arrests or specific criminal charges.

What nearby residents can do

Residents in the Culbreath Street area may be able to help investigators even if they did not witness the crime itself.

Anyone with a doorbell camera, exterior security camera or vehicle camera that captured activity near Culbreath Street around the time of the 2:20 p.m. incident should consider reviewing the footage before it is automatically deleted. Video showing unfamiliar people, vehicles or activity before or after the robbery could potentially be useful to investigators.

Residents should not confront anyone they believe may be connected to the crime. Suspicious activity that appears to present an immediate danger should be reported by calling 911.

The incident also offers a reminder to review basic home security practices.

Federal security guidance recommends keeping exterior doors and windows secured, maintaining outdoor lighting, using cameras where practical and trimming landscaping that can provide hiding places or block views of doors and windows. Families also can discuss in advance what to do during an emergency and where household members can safely retreat while calling police.

Residents also can take several simple precautions:

• Keep doors locked even while at home, including during daylight hours.
• Identify visitors before opening the door, particularly when someone is unexpected.
• Avoid opening the door simply because someone knocks or claims to be making a delivery or providing a service.
• Make sure exterior lighting, doorbell cameras and other security equipment are working.
• Save potentially relevant security-camera footage rather than assuming someone else has reported it.
• Call police rather than confronting suspicious people outside a residence.
• Talk with children, older relatives and other household members about what to do if an unknown person tries to enter the home.

The recommendations are precautions, not an indication that police believe additional home invasions are imminent. State Police have not announced a broader threat to Smyrna residents in connection with Sunday’s case.

Police seek information

Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to contact Detective E. Paneda at 302-698-8444.

Tips also may be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Victim assistance is available

The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center provide assistance to crime victims, witnesses and people who have lost loved ones to sudden deaths.

The 24-hour toll-free hotline is 1-800-VICTIM-1, or 1-800-842-8461. The Victim Services Unit also can be reached by email at [email protected].

To Go

• What happened: Two masked suspects entered an occupied home in the 800 block of Culbreath Street in Smyrna about 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. One suspect displayed a handgun. Cash and personal property were taken. No injuries were reported.
• Have information or video: Contact Delaware State Police Detective E. Paneda at 302-698-8444.
• Anonymous tips: Delaware Crime Stoppers, 1-800-847-3333.
• Immediate suspicious activity: Call 911 rather than confronting a suspicious person.
• Victim assistance: Delaware Victim Center, 1-800-842-8461, available 24 hours a day.

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