Police: The masked figures carrying toy guns into homes in Delaware were teenagers who were joking around.
Surveillance footage shows masked teenagers in tactical vests approaching homes in a Delaware neighborhood before New Castle County police arrested them.
Chucky Mask Suspect Hunted By Philadelphia Police After Cold Deal With Residents
Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect wearing a Chucky mask who allegedly chased a jogger and asked if he was "ready to die" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Police said Monday that two teenagers were pranking the cameras as they approached homes in a Delaware neighborhood late Friday night wearing tactical vests and appeared to be carrying guns.
The 16- and 17-year-old boys were identified Sunday after New Castle County police received a tip that helped investigators track them down after a collision in the Mallard Point neighborhood.
Police have called off prank homecoming plans after seizing 650 rolls of toilet paper in Operation Clean Sweep.
As part of the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at the juvenile's home and found a gel bead gun, tactical vest and hockey style mask.
Both teenagers were charged with two counts of harassment, one count of criminal mischief and two counts of criminal trespass.
Popular game "Slayer" received serious warnings from police across the country: "dangerous misunderstandings"
Police determined that the teenagers had been knocking on the residents' doors late at night as part of a prank that alarmed neighbors, but noted that no threats of violence had been made.
Arraignment information for both juveniles was pending Monday.
The investigation began after residents in the Mallard Point neighborhood of New Castle reported seeing masked men approach their homes shortly before 11 p.m. Friday
Surveillance images released by police show a man wearing a black hockey-style mask and light tactical vest holding what appears to be a handgun outside the front door of the home.
On October 9, 2026, a masked person wearing a tactical-style vest and carrying what appeared to be a gun was caught on camera approaching a home in New Castle, Delaware, according to police. (New Castle County Police)
Another separate image shows a masked individual wearing a black vest approaching the residence.
Officers were called to the 1200 block of Canvasback Drive around 10:50 p.m. After receiving a report of a suspicious person.
Residents told investigators that a masked man who appeared to be carrying a gun had been banging on doors before fleeing.
Police also reported seeing four people in the eastbound lane on Mallard Road, including two on bicycles and two on foot.
The two teenagers were charged after police said they approached homes in a New Castle, Delaware, neighborhood wearing masks and light tactical vests and appeared to be carrying guns as part of a late-night prank. (iStock)
Officers searched the neighborhood and surrounding properties with the assistance of a K-9 unit but were unable to locate the individuals.
Listen to the new Crime and Justice with Donna Rotono podcast
Investigators initially believed the apparent weapons may have been airsoft-style guns, although police have not confirmed if the pellet gun recovered is the same weapon seen in the surveillance footage.
The incident comes nearly two months after a man wearing a "Chucky"-style mask was filmed terrorizing pedestrians on the 35 mile marker in Philadelphia.
The suspect, Zamir Hughes, 22, was arrested later that month in Las Vegas by members of the Philadelphia office of the US Marshals Service.
The hottest stories from the headlines, from crime to court, legal and scandal.