Friday night did not turn out as planned for one Gainesville, Florida criminal. 64-year-old Walter Owens was reportedly attempting to break into a northeast Gainesville home when he accidentally set off the burglar alarm system.
Police quickly responded to the scene around 11 p.m., but the assailant fled before they arrived. They deployed a K-9 to track the crook. At the same time, aAn officer on his way to the scene noticed a suspicious man walking the opposite direction carrying a duffel bag and wearing a hooded jacket and gloves. The man, later identified as Owens, quickly crossed the street to avoid detection, but to no avail.
Owens was stopped and questioned by the officer. A few minutes later, the police K-9’s trail led him straight from the home to Owens.
Accepting that he was caught, Owens admitted attempting the break in. He told police he selected the house because it was dark and appeared no one was inside. When he broke a back window with a mallet, however, the home’s security system was triggered and he took off.
Owens was charged with burglary of a dwelling, possession or burglary tools and possession of marijuana.
Property crime rates increase during the holiday season, including burglaries. This time of year, it’s more important than ever to have a home security system. In addition to serving as a deterrent to criminals, a monitored home alarm system can also protect your home in the event of a fire – another too common holiday occurrence.
