PUEBLO, Colo. — A man in Pueblo was arrested on Thursday after allegedly assaulting a suspected burglar who had broken into a nearby home, according to the Pueblo Police Department (PPD).
Officers responded to reports of a group of men attacking someone in the 1700 block of Joliet Avenue. When they arrived, they found a man — 21-year-old Joseph Mares — bound with black and yellow duct tape in a front yard.
Police said Mares had broken into a nearby home with several others, prompting three men to chase after the suspects and detain Mares in the yard.
However, surveillance video revealed that 26-year-old Cruz Alarcon, one of the men involved in the citizen’s arrest, had used excessive force while restraining Mares.
Mares was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and later arrested for second-degree burglary. Alarcon was also arrested and now faces charges of second-degree assault and felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon.
PPD noted that while citizen’s arrests are legal under Colorado law (C.R.S. 16-3-201), they must meet specific criteria. A person can only make such an arrest if they witness the crime or have strong reason to believe it has just occurred, and they may only use reasonable force.
Using excessive or unlawful force can lead to serious charges, including assault, false imprisonment, or even kidnapping.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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