Richland Police Arrest Burglar Exiting Victim's Home

Arrested:  Venegas, Juan P.; 18 year of age male, Yakima address
Charge:  Residential Burglary

Synopsis:

At about 8:45 AM today Richland police officers were advised of a 911 call involving a subject beating on the front door of a residence in the 1000 block of Pattyton Lane.  As officers were responding, the call was upgraded to a burglary in progress.  The 18 year old son of the homeowner was inside the house and said that a subject had now broken in and was in the process of stealing their possessions.

The first officer to arrive saw an SUV in the driveway that belonged to the suspect.  As he approached the front door a male, later identified as Venegas, came outside.  In his arms he was holding an X Box, a camera and several game controllers.  The suspect was confronted, dropped what he had been holding and fled back into the residence.  The officer chased the suspect through the house and out of the back door.

The suspect went through a number of back yards.  Officers set up containment and called for the assistance of a Benton County SO K-9 Unit.  The K-9 began tracking the suspect.  As he approached where the suspect was hiding, Venegas put his hands into the air and surrendered.  He was taken into custody without further incident.

The items Venegas had stolen were photographed and returned to the victim.  It appears as if Venegas may have observed the female homeowner leave and decided to burglarize the residence.  Entry was made by prying off a dog door on the exterior of the home.

Venegas was reportedly arrested for a similar crime in Chicago in March of this year.  Chicago PD has been contacted and we are awaiting information on any charges regarding their case.

Venegas was booked into the Benton County jail on charges of Residential Burglary.

Contact Cpt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362, for additional information.