Felton Home-Invasion Leads to Arrest of Two Wilmington Residents
I remember reading about this case, and it immediately struck me how quickly an ordinary afternoon can turn dangerous. Around 1 p.m. on November 11, in Felton’s 100 block of East Chimney Top Lane, two men from Wilmington, Dylan Charles, 19, and Quincey Thomas, 22, forced their way into a home. What’s chilling is that they were known to the teenage resident—friends, in theory—before turning on him.
Once inside, they confronted the 17-year-old, demanded money, and threatened him with a handgun. The tension escalated when the female family member who answered the door heard the commotion. She grabbed a rifle to protect the teens, only to have the suspects seize it and aim it at her while demanding money. Two children were also in the home. One barricaded themselves in a bedroom while the other ran to a neighbor for safety.
If I were in that home, I’d be thinking, “How do I keep my family alive in seconds?” Thankfully, the victims were mostly unharmed. The 17-year-old and the children escaped injury, while the woman suffered only a minor wound. But the emotional trauma? That’s something that sticks long after the headlines fade.
After the robbery, the suspects fled in a white Infiniti QX5. Police spotted them on State Route 12, and what followed was a high-speed chase across multiple Kent County roads. Firearms were thrown from the vehicle along Route 1, stop-sticks were deployed, and eventually, the SUV crashed near Little Creek Road. Thomas and Charles ran but were caught; a third suspect is still at large.
It’s the kind of incident that makes you pause and think about home safety, community awareness, and how fast ordinary life can spiral into chaos.
Suspects and Charges
When I read the Delaware State Police report on WDEL, I was struck by just how serious the charges are for Charles and Thomas. Dylan Charles, 19, and Quincey Thomas, 22, are both from Wilmington, Delaware. They’re now in custody at the Sussex Correctional Institution.
Charles faces first-degree robbery, first-degree home invasion burglary, possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of a firearm with a removed serial number, drug possession, child endangerment, and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $150,000.
Thomas’s list is even longer: first-degree robbery, first-degree home invasion burglary, firearm-related felonies, multiple traffic violations from the chase, criminal mischief, disregarding a police officer signal, and child endangerment. His bond is $145,746.
What really hits me is the breadth of the charges—it’s not just the home invasion, it’s how the situation escalated, putting everyone in the home, the neighbors, and even police officers at risk. And as WDEL reports, a third suspect is still at large, which leaves a thread of concern for the community.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
Bay to Bay News covered the details about the weapons and items seized during the incident, and it’s a lot to take in. The suspects took two firearms from the victims: a handgun, which had its serial number removed, and a rifle. During the police pursuit, these weapons were thrown from the vehicle on Route 1 and later recovered by troopers.
Additionally, authorities found roughly 1,595.5 grams of marijuana inside the Infiniti used by the suspects. That adds another layer to this case—it’s not just a home invasion, it’s intertwined with drug possession and potential trafficking.
Knowing these details makes you realize the full danger the residents faced. It’s not just about money or threats—it’s a mix of firearms, drugs, and reckless behavior that could have had catastrophic consequences.
Understanding the Charges: What They Mean in Delaware
If you’re like me, reading legal jargon can be overwhelming, but it’s important to understand what these charges mean. First-degree robbery and first-degree home invasion burglary are serious felonies that carry heavy prison sentences. The possession of a firearm during a felony shows how dangerous the situation was, especially with minors present.
Child endangerment charges highlight how the suspects’ actions affected the children in the home. And resisting arrest or criminal mischief charges demonstrate that the suspects continued to break the law even after fleeing.
By breaking this down, you start to see that the consequences are severe for a reason—it wasn’t just theft; it was a violent, high-risk crime that could have ended tragically.
In nearby Maryland, authorities recently charged a man in a home invasion case that highlights how these crimes can happen anywhere, even in quiet neighborhoods.
Broader Context: Home Invasion Trends and Local Impact
When I step back and look at the bigger picture, this isn’t just a single isolated incident. Home invasions like this are rare in Felton, but every case leaves a lasting impression on the community. Kids, neighbors, and even first responders feel the ripple effect.
It also raises questions about safety. How prepared are homes in Kent County for these kinds of crimes? Are there patterns we should notice—like the use of firearms, known perpetrators, or involvement in drugs?
Understanding these trends helps you, as a resident or homeowner, make informed decisions about security and vigilance.
Similar home invasion incidents have occurred in other states, like this case in Alexandria where a man tragically lost his life.
Safety Tips for Homeowners and Residents
After reading about this case, I can’t help but think: what would I do if it happened to me? There are practical steps you can take to protect your home and family.
- Make sure doors and windows are always secured, even during the day.
- If someone unexpected comes to your door, verify before opening, especially if children are present.
- Have a plan for your family in case of intrusion—where to hide, how to escape safely.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to authorities and use local community alert systems.
- Stay connected with neighbors and community watch programs; awareness can prevent incidents before they escalate.
Even small steps can make a difference. After all, preparation isn’t paranoia—it’s protection.
If you want real-time alerts on local incidents and safety tips, you can join a community WhatsApp channel that shares updates directly from local authorities.
Police Investigation & Community Response
As I follow this story, one thing stands out: the investigation is far from over. The Delaware State Police are still searching for the third suspect who fled after the crash. If you witnessed anything or have information, you can contact Detective P. Campbell at 302-698-8504, reach out via a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police, or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. Your tip could help bring closure to this case.
The community response has been a mix of concern and vigilance. Local residents are sharing updates on social media, discussing safety measures, and checking in on neighbors. I can’t help but notice that these conversations reflect a deep awareness: people understand that safety isn’t just about locking doors—it’s about staying alert and connected.
Watching how the police and community are working together reminds me that we all play a role in preventing crime. Awareness, timely reporting, and communication are as crucial as any physical security measure.
Learning from other incidents, such as the San Jose burglary where multiple arrests were made, can help you understand what measures work best to protect your home.
Takeaways for Felton Residents
After reading through this incident, I’ve realized that home invasions aren’t just news headlines—they’re a call to action. If you live in Felton or a similar community, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Review your home security: locks, alarms, cameras—make sure everything works.
- Discuss a safety plan with your family, especially if you have children.
- Stay informed about local crime trends and police alerts.
- Get to know your neighbors—community awareness can prevent incidents.
It’s easy to feel helpless reading about crimes like this, but preparation, awareness, and community involvement can make a real difference.
Now I want to ask you: how prepared is your household for unexpected situations like this? Take a moment to think about it—and maybe even start a conversation with your family or neighbors today.
For more stories on local safety and home invasion reports, check out our Home Security section.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official police reports and public records. The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
