Burglary suspect refused to get off Aaron’s furniture store roof

The Watsonville Fire Department had to use their fire ladder Tuesday night, but not for a fire. The ladder helped get a burglary suspect off a rooftop.

Watsonville Police responded first after an Aaron’s furniture store employee called police when he heard someone breaking in.

Officers spotted the suspect climbing up the ladder on the second level of the business, and then onto the rooftop. After trying to convince him to get down, they called in the fire department.

Officers climbed the ladder and safely arrested Omar Cortez. He’s now behind bars, charged with burglary and resisting arrest.