[LA MESA Tues Feb 10, 10:10 p.m.]
A burglary suspect was arrested Tuesday night after a helicopter-assisted search in a La Mesa neighborhood that involved K-9 units and multiple agencies.
La Mesa police were called to the 5800 block of Amaya Drive around 10:10 p.m. after a resident reported someone breaking a window and attempting to enter their home. Minutes later, officers arrived and removed the resident from the house. Once on scene, police reported hearing movement inside and believed someone may still be inside the residence.
A National City police K-9 unit responded to assist, followed by the ASTREA helicopter, which began searching the area using FLIR.
As the search expanded, additional 911 callers reported seeing a person running on nearby streets, including between homes near Water Street. ASTREA spotted a person lying under brush several streets away who began running through open space behind homes as officers moved in to surround the area.
At about 11:04 p.m., the suspect exited the green space onto Water Street, where officers detained him. Police said the suspect matched the original description and had bleeding cuts on his hands consistent with broken glass. A medic was called to evaluate his injuries.
Neighbors said the resident of the rear home involved in the break-in was shaken by the incident.
