GEORGETOWN, Del.- Delaware State police are investigating a home invasion and serious assault in Georgetown that left a 39-year-old female hospitalized.
According to police, the female victim was inside of her home, located in the 22000 block of Lewes-Georgetown Highway, when she heard someone knocking on her front door at approximately 11:20 a.m. Friday.
Police said the female victim opened the door, at which time she was greeted by a male who was asking if a utility trailer located on the property was for sale. Subsequently, according to police, the male grabbed the victim and struck her in the face, then forced her into the living room, knocking her to the floor. Police said the suspect continued to strike the victim and attempted to strangle her.
According to DSP, the victim fought back and struggled with the suspect and was ultimately able to escape to a bedroom. Police said the victim then pushed out a window air conditioning unit in the room, climbed out of the window and proceeded to flee to the roadway and flag down a passing motorist for assistance.
Police said the male suspect ran out of the house and drove away in a green pickup truck with a cap, although the make and model of the vehicle are unknown.
Police told WBOC the female victim was transported to a local hospital and treated and admitted in serious condition with traumatic injuries resulting from the assault.
The suspect is described as a white male of unknown age, between 5-feet 6-inches and 5-feet 8-inches tall and weighing between 175 and 185 pounds.
Anyone with information in reference to this alleged home invasion and assault is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at Troop 4 at (302) 856-5850, ext. 255, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Delaware State Police issued the following statement to WBOC Saturday:
Troopers remind the public that the first priority to reducing the risks of becoming a victim of crime, is to become aware of your surroundings and utilize situational awareness when out and about, but also at home. Do not answer the door for strangers, and be on the lookout for suspicious activity in and around your home, to include the neighborhood that you live in. Call the police to reports suspicious activity or something out of the ordinary.
Troopers offer the below general prevention tips that can be used to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
1. Lock all doors, windows, and garages at all times, when you are home. Criminals look for houses with the easiest entry.
2. Secure your home with solid doors and deadbolt locks. The exterior doors should be metal, metal clad or solid wood, not hollow core.
3. Keep exterior of home well lit.
4. Install a peephole so that you can verify who is on the other side of the door. Never open your door to strangers or solicitors.
5. Install a monitored alarm system with a "panic" feature. If you have an alarm system in your home, activate the perimeter doors and windows while you are in the home. If someone attempts to gain entry, the alarm will sound, giving you time to escape.
6. Keep a cellular or cordless phone available to call 911
6. Have an escape plan in mind for your family. Train family members on where to go and what to say. This plan should include your children. If someone can escape, the invaders will have lost their advantage of privacy and time.
7. Report all suspicious activity to police. If you see something out of the ordinary, call.
