Monday, Sep. 24, 2012

Police: Family victimized by home invader

No one was injured in incident

A Los Banos family was the victim of a home invasion Monday morning, police said.

The Los Banos Police Department responded to a residence on the 1600 Block of Woodbrush Avenue at 4:43 a.m. after receiving a report of a residential burglary in progress.

The homeowners told police they woke up to the sound of someone inside their home. The couple and their children locked themselves in a room and called the police.

The suspected burglar, 29-year-old Joe Alves of Los Banos, could be seen through a window as officers arrived on the scene, police said.

Law enforcement reportedly forced their way into the home and briefly struggled with Alves, who allegedly displayed traits of being under the influence of drugs and appeared to be confused. Methamphetamine was discovered in his possession, according to police.

Alves was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary and possession of a controlled substance. Alves is in custody at the Los Banos Jail in lieu of $60,000 bail.

Police have not said how Alves gained entry into the home. No injuries were reported from the incident.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the police departments webpage at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org