(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) said two men were arrested after police were called to a home about three men beating up another man who was caught allegedly burglarizing a home.
According to PPD, just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, officers were called to the 1700 block of Joliet Avenue off of Lakeshore Avenue on a report of three men beating up another man. PPD said the man was caught allegedly burglarizing a home in the neighborhood.
When officers arrived, they found a man bound with black and yellow duct tape in the front yard of a home. Police learned that the burglary suspect, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Mares, along with several other people, was accused of breaking into a home. The three suspects, one identified as 26-year-old Cruz Alarcon, chased the burglary suspects and caught Mares.
PPD said police got video evidence that indicated Alarcon used excessive force in taking Mares into custody.
PPD said, “In Colorado, a citizen’s arrest is permitted under C.R.S. 16-3-201, but only when a crime is committed in the citizen’s presence. This means the citizen must personally witness the crime or have probable cause to believe it is ongoing or just completed. If these conditions are met, a private citizen can use reasonable force to make the arrest and prevent escape.”
However, making an illegal citizen’s arrest can lead to criminal charges like assault, false imprisonment, or even kidnapping, said PPD.
Mares was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and, upon release, arrested and is facing charges of Second-Degree Burglary.
Alarcon was arrested and is facing charges of Second-Degree Assault and Felony Menacing with a Real/Simulated Weapon.
About The Author
