Lafayette Police Arrest Alleged Intruder

LAMORINDA, CA — Lafayette Police arrested a suspect accused of entering an unlocked home, who was discovered when the homeowner returned and found the suspect in his kitchen, police say.

It happened Wednesday in the 3900 block of Happy Valley Road. No one was injured.

Officers were dispatched at 9:44 a.m. when they received a report of an intruder inside a home. While Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga officers were en route to the home, the homeowner told police that the suspect had fled on foot running toward the BART Station.

The resident provided a detailed description of the suspect, who had been wearing a dark "hoodie" style sweatshirt. An LPD officer driving in the area spotted a guy matching the description of the suspect on Happy Valley Road, south of Happy Valley Elementary School. Theofficer was able to detain the suspect without incident. He was identified by the resident and was placed under arrest.

Police give this description of what happened when the homeowner returned home from a short trip, "When the resident entered the home, they found a unknown individual hiding behind an island in the kitchen of the home. The resident confronted the intruder, demanding to know what they were doing in the home. The intruder showed his hands and explained that he had not taken anything from the home - while making his way toward the front door. The resident demanded the intruder empty his pockets, which he did, showing the resident that he had not taken anything. The intruder then exited the front door of the home and began to run toward the BART Station."

LPD Investigators interviewed the suspect, who identified himself as a transient who had arrived in the community using BART. Investigators located a community camera system that views the walkways of Happy Valley Road. Investigators were able to locate images of the suspect walking in the direction of the home. LPD Investigators believe there are no additional suspects or vehicles involved in this crime.

The suspect was booked at the County Jail in Martinez.

A friendly reminder from police - always lock your doors.

-Image via Shutterstock