Caught-In-Act Burglar Fibs About Why He Is In Mtn. View House: Police

Police in Mountain View arrested a man on suspicion of burglary early Sunday after a woman called to report finding a stranger standing inside her and her husband’s home.

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At around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, a woman living in a home on Thompson Avenue in Mountain View called to report that she was awakened, went into her living room, heard a man’s voice and screamed for her husband, police spokesman Sgt. Saul Jaeger said.

Her husband came from the bedroom to the living room and while his wife called 911, the husband confronted the intruder, who told him he entered their home because he was running away from a group of people and needed help, Jaeger said.

Officers arrived and based on an investigation, arrested the alleged intruder, later identified as 57-year-old Raymundo Gallegos, on suspicion of burglary, he said.

Police believe that Gallegos, who may have felt threatened after being caught by surprise in the house, made up the story about being pursued.

“The reality of it is they (the couple) interrupted a burglary,” Jaeger said. Nothing had been taken from the home and the suspect may have gotten in through an unlocked door, he said.

To discourage break-ins and burglaries, residents should lock doors and windows even while at home, install or upgrade exterior lights and motion detectors and give a verbal answer when a stranger knocks at the door to let them know someone is at home, he said.

--Bay City News

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