Authorities say the 81-year-old victim was targeted for access to a safe at his Delaware home before he managed to flee.
ELKTON, Md. — An 81-year-old Delaware man escaped from an Elkton home after authorities say he was tied to a chair, assaulted, burned and robbed in an alleged scheme to force him to reveal the combination to a safe at his residence.
Cecil County sheriff’s deputies responded to the unit block of Chestnut Drive around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, after reports of an injured man outside a residence. Investigators said the man had escaped from the house after being held against his will. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released. Authorities have not publicly identified him.
The man told investigators that he had traveled from Delaware to the Elkton residence to meet 31-year-old Taylor Storm Falcone. Authorities said 28-year-old Austin Michael Maniscalco was also inside the home. Investigators allege Falcone and Maniscalco had conspired to lure the man there, detain him and gain access to money or property kept at his Delaware residence.
According to the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Maniscalco became aggressive after the victim entered the home. Investigators allege he restrained the man in a chair, struck him and threatened him with a knife while preventing him from leaving. Authorities said the assault escalated as Maniscalco demanded the combination to a safe at the victim’s home.
Investigators said hot syrup was poured on the victim, causing burns, as part of the effort to obtain the safe combination. After the victim disclosed the combination, authorities allege Maniscalco wrote it on the man’s forehead with a marker and continued making threats. The sheriff’s office said Falcone left the residence during the assault.
Authorities allege Maniscalco also took about $80 in cash, jewelry and keys belonging to the victim. Reported stolen property included a gold chain, a gold watch and a gold bracelet, along with keys to several vehicles. Investigators said the property was later recovered during a search of the Elkton residence.
The victim’s opportunity to escape came after Maniscalco fell asleep, investigators said. Authorities said the man was able to free himself, leave the house and reach the yard, where responding deputies found him. His escape shifted the case from an alleged confinement and robbery inside the residence to an active law-enforcement response at the property.
Deputies later took Maniscalco into custody after a standoff at the residence. Falcone was arrested after returning to the property, authorities said. Maniscalco faces charges that include robbery, first-degree assault, false imprisonment and theft, along with other alleged offenses. Falcone faces conspiracy counts tied to robbery, assault and theft. The charges are allegations, and neither defendant has been convicted in connection with the case.
Initial reports said both defendants were being held without bond. WMAR-2 News later reported, citing electronic court records, that Maniscalco remained held without bond while Falcone was released after posting bail. Authorities have not announced additional arrests, and the sheriff’s investigation remains the basis for the criminal allegations against the two defendants.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 6, 2026.