Intoxicated Man Arrested After Marydel Break-In Attempt

Caroline County, MD - Caroline County deputies arrested a Seaford, Delaware man after he allegedly tried to force his way into a Marydel home on July 13, 2026. The incident happened in the 18000 block of Lepore Road in Marydel, MD.

Deputies were dispatched to the home for a reported burglary in progress. While they were on the way, the Caroline County Communications Center stayed on the line with a juvenile caller inside the residence. The caller said an unknown male was trying to force his way in.

When deputies arrived, they found 43-year-old Ruperto Matias Escalante standing in the front yard. Investigators determined he was intoxicated and had driven himself to the scene. Open containers of alcohol were found inside his vehicle.

Victims on scene told deputies that Escalante had been striking the front door. They also said he broke a bedroom window while trying to get inside. Deputies confirmed the broken window at the rear of the home and found damage to the front door consistent with forced entry.

Escalante was taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, deputies also discovered he was wanted on an active bench warrant from 2012 for failing to appear on a prior DUI charge.

He was transported to the Caroline County Sheriff's Office for processing and later brought before a District Court Commissioner. Escalante was committed to the Caroline County Detention Center to await a future court appearance.

Escalante faces the following charges:

• Fourth-Degree Burglary
• Malicious Destruction of Property
• Intoxicated Endangerment
  

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.