As we first reported as it was happening early Friday, a would-be burglar attempting to enter a home in the 3200 block of Woodview Drive in Burton Valley was scared off by the home’s alarm system, a dogged neighbor, and police who moved quickly to capture him.
No arrest was made, but a picture of the would-be thief’s truck was obtained.
Investigators said the incident began at 9:03 a.m. Friday when they were advised of an alarm sounding at the home. Officers were met by a neighbor who told them a Hispanic man had run from the rear of the residence and fled the area in a pick-up truck, last seen heading towards Moraga. The neighbor followed the truck as it left the area, losing sight of it near the entrance to St. Mary’s College.
Officers checking the home found the side gate to the rear yard ajar and a screen
removed from a bedroom window. The window was locked and was the point of entry indicated by the alarm, according to police.
The neighbor who followed the vehicle from the home provided officers with a description of the vehicle and a partial license plate for it. Officers from Lafayette and Moraga PD searched the area for the suspect vehicle, but were unable to locate it. Investigators eventually located a series of images of the suspect vehicle on a nearby neighborhood camera.
Suspect – Male, Hispanic, mid-20’s, Stocky build, Grey Shirt, Blue Jeans
Vehicle – 2001 Ford (CA – 8R74831)
The homeowner told officers they saw the same suspect standing between their home and the neighbor’s home as they prepared to leave the residence. They also saw the white truck parked in front of the homes. Because of his dress, they assumed the individual was a construction worker and belonged there.
Investigators are seeking information from the public about this incident. They know the vehicle arrived in the neighborhood at 8:34 a.m. from north-bound St. Mary’s Road from the direction of Moraga. The vehicle fled from the home traveling south-bound on St. Mary’s Road back towards Moraga. Residents who saw the vehicle in the neighborhood or who have video surveillance of the vehicle are asked to contact investigations through the police tip line at 94549tip@gmail.com.
Sounds to me like we know who they are now. They’re right here and they have been working alongside us the whole time.
From Moraga? Or working in Moraga?