Reported Home Invasion in Danville Determined to Be Teen Prank After Police Investigation

 Danville, IN — A large police response late Tuesday night in the Penrose neighborhood was ultimately determined to be the result of a prank rather than an attempted home invasion.

At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, the Danville Police Department responded to a report of a possible home invasion in progress on Bedford Drive. Based on the initial information received, officers responded with urgency and residents reported seeing the entire Penrose neighborhood temporarily blocked off as police searched for possible suspects.

According to neighbors, officers remained in the area for roughly two hours and used department drones while searching the neighborhood.

Following the response, investigators reviewed neighborhood doorbell camera footage to determine what had occurred. According to the Danville Police Department, the investigation found that no burglary had taken place and no one entered any homes.

Police say the footage showed what appeared to be a masked teenager approaching a residence, pounding on the front door, and immediately running away. Investigators believe the incident was intended as a summertime prank rather than an attempted break-in.

While no crime involving a residential burglary occurred, police say this type of behavior can create a dangerous situation. A resident awakened by someone aggressively knocking on a door late at night could reasonably believe they are facing a criminal threat, potentially leading to a dangerous confrontation.

The Danville Police Department is encouraging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the seriousness of these types of pranks and the potential consequences they can carry.

Officials also noted that every report of a possible burglary or home invasion is treated as a legitimate emergency until investigators can determine the facts.