Delaware neighborhood on edge after masked men with apparent weapons knock on doors of homes

Cameras in a Delaware neighborhood caught at least two masked men knocking on doors late Friday night, including one carrying an apparent rifle, police said.

Images released by the New Castle County Police Department show a man wearing a tactical-style vest and holding what appears to be a rifle while knocking on a home's front door.

A separate image shows another individual approaching a front door wearing a black vest and mask.

New Castle County police are investigating reports of masked individuals knocking on residents' doors while allegedly carrying what appeared to be weapons. (New Castle County Police)

According to police, officers were called to the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive in Mallard Pointe, New Castle, around 10:50 p.m. Friday following a report of a suspicious person.

Residents told police that a man wearing a black hockey-style mask and tactical-style vest approached homes while carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

A masked individual wearing a tactical-style vest and carrying what appeared to be a rifle was captured on camera approaching a home in New Castle, Delaware, on Oct. 9, 2026, according to police. (New Castle County Police)

The man allegedly knocked on doors before running away, according to police.

Authorities said four men were also seen heading eastbound on Mallard Road — two on bicycles and two on foot.

Officers and a K-9 unit conducted a search of the neighborhood and nearby properties but could not locate the individuals.

Although police have not confirmed whether the weapons were real firearms, they said they believe the weapons may have been airsoft-style guns.

A second individual wearing a black vest and mask was photographed approaching a home's front door in the Mallard Pointe neighborhood of New Castle, Delaware. (New Castle County Police)

Anyone with information about the incident or home security footage from the surrounding area is urged to call 911 or the department's non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.