On the morning of July 12, Pima County deputies responded to the Walgreens in the 7800 block of East Snyder Road, about an odd disturbance. When deputies arrived, they were informed that the suspect had just left the scene in a vehicle.
A few minutes later, a call was dispatched regarding a home burglary near the 7000 block of East Arrowhead Drive. While deputies responded, they were advised that the homeowner locked himself in his room and called 911. They later learned that the intruder, Gerald W. Archuleta, age 33, kicked in the victim’s bedroom door and had an odd conversation with him before fleeing from the home. He appeared to be in an altered state of mind during the encounter and had some type of drug in his system.
Shortly after deputies arrived, they located Archuleta in a nearby fenced yard and he was apprehended with the help of a Sheriff’s Department Canine. Archuleta, was later taken to the hospital for precautionary measures.
Archuleta was charged with First Degree Criminal Trespassing and Criminal Damage. Deputies say that in this case the victim did everything right. Detectives are reminding the public of a few helpful tips if confronted with this situation:
• Always remember to keep your doors and windows locked, whether it is your house or your car.
• If an intruder does come in your home, try to avoid confrontation and immediately call 9-1-1 from a safe place.
• Report any suspicious activity or persons in your neighborhood.