SAN ANTONIO — Police are investigating a bizarre home burglary. Tuesday evening, officers were called to the northeast side for a reported break-in.
The suspected burglar attempted to hide from police when his plans, quite literally, fell through.
The 33-year-old fell from the attic and got lodged between a chimney and wall.
Ervin Armstrong owns the property. On Wednesday, he repaired the fence and boarded up windows and doors.
“It’s kind of a unique situation,” Armstrong told KENS 5.
The veteran says his surveillance cameras captured a man and woman forcing their way into his home. Armstrong no longer lives there. He says his family is in the process of moving to Corpus Christi.
“I guess they figured we weren’t home and took advantage of the situation,” Armstrong said.
His security system alerted him of the intruders.
“Somebody was entering our home through the back,” said Armstrong. “We immediately called SAPD and they came out. They surrounded the home and found out someone was inside because their dogs alerted them. They waited for special ops to come out, and I guess the individual was in the attic. [Officers] said the individual slipped off the rafters and slid down beside the fireplace.”
After falling two stories, the suspected burglar found himself trapped inside a wall.
“They had to take the siding off the home to take the individual out. So, anyway, karma,” Armstrong laughed.
The man was arrested. Armstrong says police are still searching for the other suspect.
Aside from the damage, he says his house was ravaged.
“[They stole] some purses, a stroller,” said Armstrong. “They were loading up a bicycle that police found at the back fence.”
Armstrong says he’s not mad. He just hopes the next time someone comes down his chimney... they leave gifts.
“We have insurance,” he said. “It’s material things, thank God. The bottom line is nobody got hurt.”
Ethan Thomas was charged with burglary and evading arrest. He is being held on a $45,000 bond.
Armstrong says he’ll be sending a ‘Thank You’ letter to the police officers for their swift action.