Felon Flees Hemet Burglary, Pursued By Gun-Toting Samaritan: Cops

HEMET, CA — A 21-year-old convicted felon who allegedly tried to break into an elderly Hemet woman's residence but was chased away by an armed neighbor was being held Monday in lieu of $35,000 bail.

James Michael Ventura was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta Sunday on suspicion of attempted burglary, possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor warrant.

According to Hemet police Lt. Nate Miller, Ventura allegedly tried to force his way into the residence in the 400 block of Harvard Street, near Central Avenue, about 3 p.m. Sunday, when he was observed by a neighbor, who armed himself with a handgun and confronted the suspect to protect the occupant of the home, identified only as a senior.

"The suspect took off running, and the neighbor gave chase," Miller said.

Witnesses called 911, and patrol officers swarmed the area, quickly locating Ventura and his pursuer, whose name was not released, running through the intersection of Central Avenue and Carmalita Street, according to Miller.

Both men were detained without incident, Miller said. Officers went back to the targeted residence and found the homeowner "shaken but unharmed," Miller said.

After speaking with the woman and gathering evidence at the property, Ventura was taken into custody, and the armed neighbor was released and advised not to try the same thing again, according to Miller.

The man's firearm was confirmed to be registered to him, and it was returned to him on the spot, Miller said.

According to court records, Ventura has prior convictions for auto theft, trespassing and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

— By City News Service