Residents of a New Castle, Delaware, neighborhood were alarmed after masked men approached homes late Friday night, with one appearing to carry a rifle. New Castle County police said the incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. on October 9 in the Mallard Pointe community. Officers searched the area with a K-9 unit but did not find the individuals. Police said the apparent weapons may have been airsoft-style guns, although they have not confirmed whether they were real firearms.
Investigators are asking residents to provide information and home security footage that could help identify those involved.
| 1) | Police respond to suspicious-person report |
| 2) | Door-knocking incidents captured on camera |
| 3) | Investigators assess the apparent weapons |
| 4) | Search fails to locate the group |
| 5) | Police seek public assistance |
Police respond to suspicious-person report
New Castle County police were called to the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive in Mallard Pointe, New Castle, at approximately 10:50 p.m. Friday after residents reported a suspicious person. According to police, a man wearing a black hockey-style mask and a tactical-style vest had approached homes while carrying what appeared to be a rifle.
The report prompted officers to investigate the residential area and determine whether the person posed an immediate threat. The incident took place at night in a neighborhood where residents were inside their homes, increasing concern about the masked approach and apparent weapon.
Door-knocking incidents captured on camera
Images released by police show one masked man in a tactical-style vest holding an object that resembles a rifle while standing at a front door. A separate image shows another individual wearing a black vest and mask as he approached a home in Mallard Pointe.
Police said the man allegedly knocked on doors before running away. The images came from neighborhood security cameras and are being reviewed as part of the investigation into what appears to have been activity involving more than one person.
Investigators assess the apparent weapons
Authorities have not established that the objects seen in the images were operational firearms. New Castle County police said they believe the weapons may have been airsoft-style guns, but the department has not confirmed the nature of the items.
That uncertainty has not eliminated the concern surrounding the incident. Objects that resemble rifles can cause residents and responding officers to believe a serious threat may be present, particularly when they are carried by masked people approaching homes after dark.
Search fails to locate the group
Police said four men were also seen traveling eastbound on Mallard Road. Two were reportedly riding bicycles and two were on foot. Officers, assisted by a K-9 unit, searched the neighborhood and nearby properties after receiving the report.
The search did not locate the individuals. Police have not announced arrests or identified anyone in connection with the door-knocking reports. The investigation remains focused on determining who was involved, where the group went and whether the apparent weapons were replicas or real firearms.
Police seek public assistance
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident, or anyone with home security footage from the surrounding area, to contact authorities. Residents may call 911 or the New Castle County Police Department’s non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
Footage from homes and nearby properties could help establish the group’s movements and provide additional descriptions. Police have not released information indicating that anyone was injured during the incident.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Masked individuals approached homes in Mallard Pointe late Friday night. |
| 2 | One person appeared to carry a rifle while wearing a tactical-style vest. |
| 3 | Police believe the apparent weapons may have been airsoft-style guns. |
| 4 | A police and K-9 search did not locate the group. |
| 5 | Authorities are requesting tips and security-camera footage. |
Summary
The investigation centers on masked men who approached homes in New Castle’s Mallard Pointe neighborhood while carrying objects that appeared to be weapons. Although police suspect the items may have been airsoft-style guns, their status has not been confirmed. No arrests have been announced, and authorities are relying on resident reports and security footage to identify those involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident occur?
The incident was reported in the Mallard Pointe neighborhood, including the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive in New Castle, Delaware.
When did police receive the report?
Police were called at approximately 10:50 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026.
Were the weapons confirmed to be firearms?
No. Police have not confirmed that the objects were real firearms and said they may have been airsoft-style guns.
How can witnesses contact police?
Anyone with information or relevant security footage can call 911 or the department’s non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
