Search for Home Invasion Suspect Leads Police to Imperial Beach Home

San Diego police and sheriff’s deputies surrounded a home in Imperial Beach early on October 24, in search of a home-invasion robbery suspect.

According to San Diego police Sgt. Steve Shaw, “At approximately 9:30 this morning in Southeast San Diego, a domestic-abuse victim was subject to a home-invasion robbery in the 3900 block of Florence. Registration of the getaway vehicle was traced to this house on Tenth Street.”

Police and deputies quickly surrounded the home at the corner of Tenth and Holly Avenue while the sheriff’s helicopter circled overhead. Police officers blocked off street access to the home and frantically waved off curious neighbors and onlookers.

A frustrated officer told a group of approaching lookie-loos, “The man inside has a gun and you are in the line of fire. So, for your safety, I’m asking you to move.”

Using a bullhorn, police ordered the residents of the home to come out. With hands raised, a mother and her four children (ranging in age from 9 to 17) walked slowly to awaiting officers. Finally, a man in his late 20s with a shaved head came outside wearing only underwear. With weapons drawn, officers took him into custody.

After searching the home, the family was allowed back in. The man turned out to be the brother of the suspect and, according to an officer, “They look alike, except our suspect has a tattoo on his chest.”

As the man was released, he was warned, “If you guys don’t want to be bothered by us again, don’t let your brother in the house.”

The mother, who police said admitted to driving the suspect to the scene of the home invasion, told curious neighbors about the incident: “They were looking for someone. They took us all out and searched our house.”