Menifee Man Accused Of 'Prowling' Homes Charged With Burglary

MENIFEE, CA — A 29-year-old man suspected of lurking around apartment complexes and breaking into one pleaded not guilty to first-degree burglary and other charges at his arraignment on Tuesday, authorities said.

Menifee resident Irving William Firtha-Morrison was arrested on Thursday after leading police on a short foot chase, according to the Menifee Police Department. Police said he matched the description of the prowler reported by residents.

Firtha-Morrison faces burglary charges with sentence-enhancing allegations of engaging in violent conduct. He stands accused of breaking into strangers' apartments, which indicates "a serious danger to society," according to the case filed by Riverside County District Attorney's office.

His next court hearing is a felony settlement conference scheduled on Oct. 9 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. As of Wednesday, he was still being held at the Cois Byrd Detention Center on $35,000 bail.

Menifee Police began investigating last month after receiving reports of a hooded man wearing dark clothing prowling around apartment complexes in the early morning hours, where he attempted to find unlocked doors. In one case, the man entered a home through an unlocked door but he fled when the residents woke up, police said.

The suspect was also caught multiple times on surveillance cameras, which was shared to social media platforms including Nextdoor and Ring.

Last week, during a stakeout, police spotted a man matching the reported description during the predawn hours in the area of Park Plaza Avenue and Town Center Drive. When officers approached him, he initially fled, but police caught up to him and took him into custody.

Residents in Menifee are urged to keep their doors locked — "even while at home" — and report any suspicious activity to police at their non-emergency line: 951-677-4964.

Anyone who had more information about Firtha-Morrison was encouraged to contact Detective Flores at 951-723-1663 or by email at wflores@menifeepolice.org.