Last Wednesday, Palo Alto police arrested a man after reportedly entering an occupied residence on Hamilton Ave. The incident unfolded when the homeowner, a man in his fifties, noticed an intruder on his property after returning from a walk, per the City of Palo Alto news report.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Maurice Vasquezlopez of Redwood City, was encountered by the homeowner at approximately 10:20 p.m. After a brief confrontation, Vasquezlopez fled the scene on a bicycle, only to return and enter the house through an unlocked front door shortly afterward. Before summoning the police, the resident, upon returning to his home, saw nothing amiss aside from the suspect's presence and subsequent flight.
Police were able to detain Vasquezlopez quickly, following swiftly after the resident reported hearing his front door open and descending to confront the unwelcome visitor a second time. Upon reviewing the victim's security footage, officers ascertained that the suspect had been inside the residence for roughly five minutes without taking or damaging any property.
Officials arrested Vasquezlopez near the scene of the crime and charged him with residential burglary and parole violation, both of which are felonies. A prior assault with a deadly weapon is what Vasquezlopez, who is currently on active parole due to his involvement, complicates his current legal troubles. The Palo Alto Police Department also released his booking photo as part of the official report.
The Palo Alto Police Department encourages anyone with additional information about this case to reach out. Tips can be communicated through various means, with the option for anonymity. The 24-hour dispatch center can be contacted at (650) 329-2413. Alternatively, emails can be directed to [email protected], or text messages and voice mails can be sent to (650) 383-8984.
