Delaware State Police arrest two suspects on burglary and assault charges

DELMAR, Del. – Two people are in custody following an altercation that happened on Thursday.

At approximately 3:30 PM Thursday, troopers were called to respond to the 36000 block of Red Berry Road for a domestic related incident. After arriving on the scene, troopers learned that earlier in the day, 35-year-old Christopher Benson had become angry over messages between family members that were posted on social media.

Benson then traveled to his brother’s residence to confront him. When he arrived, he was met by his brother’s wife he opened the door and told him to leave the property. Benson reportedly pushed the female out of the way, entering the house. When he got inside, he found his brother and began physically assaulting him. The wife began trying to break up the altercation when Benson’s girlfriend, 26-year-old Andrea Hockenberry, entered the house without permission and began engaging in the fight.

Eventually the altercation ended and Benson and Hockenberry both left the residence. The 42-year-old male victim suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene. His wife was not injured in the incident.

Benson and Hockenberry were found at their home in the 34000 block of Bistate Boulevard, in Delmar, a short time later. They were taken into custody without incident.

Benson was charged with second degree burglary, second degree conspiracy, third degree assault, offensive touching, and criminal mischief. He was arraigned and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $8,000 secured bond.

Hockenberry was charged with second degree burglary, second degree conspiracy, and third degree assault. She was arraigned and released on $7,000 unsecured bond.