2 Arrested After Armed Home Burglary In North County

VALLEY CENTER, CA — Two people were arrested after authorities said they drove a stolen vehicle to a Valley Center home, forced their way inside and stole property while one of the suspects threatened residents with a handgun and machete.

Deputies responded around 12:30 a.m. Saturday to a reported home invasion robbery in the 31000 block of Willow View Lane in Valley Center, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said Niquoia Thurber and Adam Wilson arrived at the home in a stolen vehicle intending to steal property. After forcing their way inside, Wilson allegedly threatened the residents with a handgun and machete while taking their belongings, according to the sheriff's office.

Wilson and Thurber fled with the stolen property, officials said.

After an extended search, deputies found and arrested Wilson in the 13000 block of West Oak Glen. Several hours later, deputies spotted Thurber in the stolen vehicle in the same area and arrested her, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies recovered weapons and property belonging to the victims during the arrests. Authorities said an automated license plate reader system was used in an effort to locate the stolen vehicle and determine its direction of travel.

Wilson and Thurber were booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of robbery, residential burglary and auto theft.

Both suspects remained in custody, and authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Valley Center Sheriff's Substation at 760-473-0313 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.