A 26-year-old man was arrested without a shoe on Wednesday after police claim he left his sneaker behind following a home invasion in Newark, Delaware.
According to News Of Philadelphia, Da’Aron Griffin of Middletown was taken into custody with only one shoe on after fleeing a residence along Winding Road in the Norwegian Woods neighborhood.
At a Glance
- Griffin allegedly confronted a 30-year-old resident, damaged a vehicle, then broke into the home armed with knives
- A 65-year-old man inside suffered a minor head laceration while trying to keep Griffin out of a bedroom
- Officers recovered the missing shoe inside the home and found Griffin’s vehicle parked nearby
- Why it matters: The swift arrest shows how a single piece of evidence can seal a suspect’s fate
Officers were called to the property at about 3 p.m. on a report of a robbery. Responding officers spotted two people fleeing the residence-one of whom was Griffin-and quickly detained both.
Confrontation Turns Violent
Further investigation revealed that Griffin had gone to the residence to confront a 30-year-old man who lived there. During a physical confrontation outside the home, the victim retreated inside.
At that point, officials said Griffin:
- Damaged the windshield of a vehicle in the driveway
- Smashed a window and entry door
- Entered the home while armed with a pair of knives
Bedroom Showdown
Once inside, Griffin attempted to force his way into a bedroom. A 65-year-old man tried to prevent him from entering and suffered a laceration to the head. Police described the injury as minor.
The 30-year-old victim then fled the residence, followed by Griffin. Officers arrived moments later and found both men outside the home.
Evidence Left Behind
Investigators determined one of the detained men was a victim. While searching the home, officers recovered a shoe that Griffin had allegedly left behind. They also found Griffin’s vehicle parked nearby.
Griffin has been charged with:
- Burglary
- Assault
- Resisting arrest
- Related offenses
He is being held on $145,000 bail.
