Brave Watsonville mother fights off burglar
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A man accused of breaking into a family home got caught off-guard by a tough mom who stopped the crime in progress.
KION was able to speak to the the mom, however she did not wish to be identified or go on camera, she did mention that she went into mom protection mode to stop the suspected burglar who was still inside her family's home.
Watsonville Police said the mother was about to enter her home on Holly Drive with her teenage children when they noticed the window of the home was tampered with.
When they opened the door they came face to face with an unwelcome visitor. It was at that moment police said the burglary suspect pushed the door shut, trying to barricade himself inside.
"A struggled happened and it led to the sidewalk, at which point the man pulled out a knife and threatened to stab the mom's children," said Sergeant Trujillo, Watsonville Police Department.
But mom fought back, grabbing the knife from the suspect with her bare hands. She then pinned him down with the help of her kids and a good samaritan until police arrived.
"We understand that the mom reacted in the way she did to protect her children but we typically don't recommend for people to get involved to try and prevent crimes," continued Sergeant Trujillo.
Instead, Watsonville Police encourage people to be witnesses. "Try to note down any description of any possible suspect and report it to us," Sergeant Trujillo.
One neighbor KION spoke to said, they didn't see the incident unfold but wasn't surprised something like this happened on their street.
"The violence needs to slow down, the violence is getting worse (FLASH) This is reoccurring. It's been months but every couple of months it happens." said Michell Lopez.
Another neighbor said they had heard a woman shouting, by the time they went to see what was going on the suspect was already on the ground. But added, crime isn't that common especially with an elementary school across the street.
"No, no, no, no, this whole area has not been violent. It surprised me yesterday because of the school" Gaspar Villanueva.
The mother received a large cut on her hand while the suspect, later identified as 48-year-old Salvador Leonor, was booked on burglary and assault with a deadly weapon charges.
Police said the suspect was in possession of a controlled substance as well and was actively on parole on prior burglary charges at the time of this incident.
