san marcos

Burglary Suspect Foiled by Car's Faulty Start

A man caught rummaging around a San Marcos home was arrested as he struggled to get the victim’s car to start.

Sheriff’s officials say Jeffrey Carl Michaels, 48, knocked on the door of a home in the 700 block of Avenida Leon at about 11:30 a.m. Friday.

When the resident peered out the window, he did not recognize Michaels, so he did not answer the door.

Shortly after, the victim told deputies he walked from his bedroom and found Michaels searching through his drawers and cabinets. Investigators believe the suspect got inside through the rear sliding glass door.

The man confronted Michaels, who demanded the victim’s keys so he could use his vehicle as a getaway car.

Deputies say the resident gave them up out of fear. As Michaels rushed to the driveway, the man called 911. Within four minutes, a deputy arrived and found Michaels still trying to get the victim’s vehicle started.

Michaels was arrested without incident, deputies say. He has been booked into the Vista Jail on counts of residential burglary, robbery, auto theft and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He also has prior convictions, according to the sheriff’s department.
 

Contact Us