Attempted burglary ends in gunfire

Delaware State Police say they are investigating the attempted burglary of a Clayton area home which involved the homeowner shooting at the suspect early Tuesday morning.

The initial investigation reportedly has determined that the incident happened around 1 AM, as a man in a home on Clayton Delaney Road heard noises coming from the back porch area.

The homeowner apparently responded to the locked porch door, and as he looked outside, he saw a man trying to find his way into the home.

According to the report, the suspect immediately ran from the porch after seeing the homeowner, and went towards a cornfield located in the back of the yard.

Officials say it was at this point that the homeowner fired multiple rounds from a handgun that he had in his possession toward the suspect, however it is not believed that the suspect was hit by any of these shots.

Responding troopers, with the assistance of Delaware State Police Aviation Trooper 4, as well as a Smyrna Police Department K-9 unit, reportedly searched the area, but were unable to find the suspect.

The homeowner reportedly was not injured, and the suspect was described as a man, last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, and had a mask covering his face.

This incident remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police. Officials say that charges are not expected to be filed against the homeowner.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective Christian Hevelow at 302-365-8471. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or via the internet.