Lewes burglary suspect barricades himself inside home, creating standoff with police

Delaware State Police have taken a Lewes man into custody after he barricaded himself inside his home following a burglary.

According to the Delaware State Police Department, the investigation began on shortly after 10 a.m., Sunday when Troopers were dispatched to the 17400 block of Taramino Place in Lewes for reports of a burglary.

Troopers arrived and met with the resident who advised that her neighbor, 57-year-old Ralph S. Luce, forced his way inside her adjoining apartment, ransacked it, and damaged several items.

Luce went back to his apartment just before police arrived, at which time troopers tried to make contact with him when he refused to exit and barricaded himself inside his residence.

Members of the Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team responded to the scene and were able to take Luce into custody without further incident.

Luce was transported to an area hospital for evaluation. There were no reports of any injuries.

The case remains under investigation with charges forthcoming.