Burglar arrested after confrontation with armed homeowner
WEST VALLEY CITY — A suspected burglar was arrested by police after a neighbor who came outside to investigation the commotion confronted him with a shotgun.
The investigation began about 11:40 p.m. Thursday when police were called to the area of 3200 South and 3600 West. Officers arrived to find Laulej Erakrik, 39, lying in the street with blood coming from his face and a knife on the ground next to him, according to a police affidavit.
Another man who lives in the area told police that he had heard yelling outside and windows breaking, and “due to previous burglaries in the area, he walked outside with his shotgun” to find out what was happening.
The man said he found Erakrik, who charged at him with a knife, the affidavit states.
“(The man) stated he believed (Erakrik) was going to stab him. (He) explained, in order to protect himself, he struck (Erakrik) with his shotgun a couple times,” according to the affidavit.
The man told police that his shotgun was not loaded, which is why he hit Erakrik with the barrel of the gun.
As police continued to investigate, they said they determined that Erakrik had broken into a nearby apartment by shattering a window.
“I was advised that (Erakrik) was yelling and screaming for the victims to open up the door. Both victims advised me once (he) entered through the window, they both fled from the residence to get to a safe location. The victim advised me that he felt his life was in danger,” according to the affidavit.
Another neighbor recorded what was happening on his cellphone.
“In the video you hear what sounds like glass shattering. The individual then makes a statement asking if people want to die,” the affidavit states. “I strongly believe had the victims not taken quick action, (Erakrik) would have caused serious injury or death to the victims.”
Erakrik, of West Valley City, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Friday for investigation of aggravated assault and burglary.
The 17-year-old suspected burglar was found nearby after being struck.
The homeowner reported a burglary at his home for the second time in two weeks.
“We’re obviously talking with the homeowner to figure out why he might be getting targeted so much, and then there’s a lot to the story that we still don’t know,” said Tony Botti with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say a Ring camera installed by the front door was working early Wednesday morning and captured video of the attempted burglary. The camera also alerted the homeowner, who deputies say, grabbed a handgun and ran outside. By that time detectives were told, the suspect had jumped a fence and was running.
At some point, the homeowner confronted the attempted burglar, and several shots were fired.
“The homeowner gave us some pretty good details- but we want to know a little bit more as to what caused him to fire at the suspect,” said Botti.
When deputies arrived, they tracked the teen down about half a block away. He was shot several times but is expected to recover.
Right now, there’s no evidence leading investigators to believe the suspect had a weapon.
Deputies say during the prior break-in last Thursday, a person actually made it inside the house before being confronted and running away.
Investigators are now trying to figure out if the suspect is the same in both instances.
“We’re looking into that. We do have video evidence from this morning. We’re trying to see if we can get a better description of the person who broke in last week,” said Botti.
Several adults who live in the home will also be questioned as part of the investigation.
The 17-year-old suspect who was shot was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He was later booked into juvenile hall on one felony count of attempted burglary.
The district attorney’s office will have to decide on that charge.