Cops Bust 22-Year-old Burglar

 

A 22-year-old San Angelo man was put behind bars shortly after leaving a house he burglarized, thanks to a tenacious cop.

Just after noon Thursday, June 5, San Angelo Police responded to a burglary in progress call at a residence located in the 100 block of E. 23rd Street.  Officer J. Ruiz was the first to arrive and locate the victim, who provided a good physical description of the suspect, who fled the residence just moments prior to officer arrival.

Assisting Officer R. Stuart responded to the location and began searching the immediate area in an attempt to locate the suspect.  After several sweeps of the area, Officer Stuart made a final pass of the north alley of the 100 block of E. 23rd Street.  During this pass, Officer Stuart located and detained a man who matched the description of the suspect.  The man was identified as 22-year-old Estevan Trujillo of San Angelo.  Police located a knife and a screwdriver on Trujillo during his detainment.       

Detective L. Dye from the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene along with the Crime Scene Investigations Section, and during their investigation, physical evidence was recovered that connected Trujillo to the burglary.

The victim, who positively identified Trujillo as the suspect, told police that prior to the incident he was in his bedroom when he thought he saw someone walking down the hallway.  When he went to see who it was, he found Trujillo, who was unknown to him, standing in the living room.   Trujillo fled the residence immediately after the confrontation.

Trujillo was transported to the Tom Green County Jail without incident and charged with Burglary of a Habitation.   

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Very lucky burglar. The victim didn't have to let him leave, you know. ....not intact or on his own two feet anyway. (See "Texas Castle Doctrine") Three factors would've justified a use of deadly force in this situation: 1. The unlawful and forceful entry of one's habitation. "Habitation" however is defined by law as where you sleep, so be wary of where you choose to drop the target (e.g. not in the garage, backyard, shed, porch etc.). 2. The immediate threat of an armed intruder. In this case, a knife was found on the subject - which indeed posed a reasonable threat. 3. Illegal trespass with the intent to commit further crimes - in this case, burglary. The screwdriver would be evidence of a "burglary tool". A proactive homeowner can sometimes accomplish more in a single night than the legal system could in a criminal's entire lifetime.

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