Two teenagers, ages 16 and 17, were arrested Sunday after residents in New Castle County, Delaware, reported masked people carrying what appeared to be rifles and knocking on doors late Friday, police said Monday.
The incidents were reported in the Mallard Pointe neighborhood shortly before 11 p.m. New Castle County police said investigators identified the teens after receiving information about the encounters. A search warrant at one teen’s home turned up a gel bead gun, a tactical-style vest and a hockey-style mask, according to police.
Police said the teens had approached homes as part of a prank that alarmed residents. Investigators determined that no threats of violence were made. The department has not confirmed whether the recovered gel bead gun was the item shown in surveillance images or reported by residents as resembling a rifle.
Both teens face two misdemeanor harassment counts, one misdemeanor criminal mischief count and two criminal trespassing violations, police said. Their arraignment information was not available Monday.
The investigation began after residents reported masked individuals at homes in the neighborhood. Police searched nearby streets and properties, with assistance from a K-9 unit, but did not locate the individuals at the time.
The case concerns juveniles, and the allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
