Early hours of August 29 saw a swift response to a reported burglary at Union Hill Bar in Helena Township. According to the Scott County Sheriff's Office, a witness noticed suspicious activity around 3:53 a.m., which led to the discovery of a possible break-in and two subsequent arrests.
The witness, who managed to catch sight of an individual sprinting away from what appeared to be a broken window, played a key part in the night's events. After entering a vehicle and trying to make a getaway, the suspect was unaware that they were being followed by the vigilant citizen, who simultaneously kept law enforcement updated by calling 911.
Deputies arriving at the business were able to confirm that a crime had indeed taken place. With a coordinated effort that included the LeSueur County Sheriff's Office and the LeSueur Police Department, officers stopped the suspected vehicle in the city of LeSueur, bringing the situation to a close without further incidents.
Arrested were Richard De Los Santos Jr., 38, of St. Paul, and Justin Kariakis Valencia, 37, from Cottage Grove. Carrying tools likely used for burglary, both men now face charges of 3rd Degree Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools. They were held at Scott County Jail, awaiting the Scott County Attorney's Office to review the charging documents prepared in their name.
Assisting in the incident were multiple law enforcement departments, including the New Prague Police Department, Belle Plaine Police Department, LeSueur County Sheriff's Office, and LeSueur Police Department, reflecting a concerted effort across jurisdictions to address and prevent criminal activity.
