Suspected burglar forces way into home while running from police

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department arrested a 21-year-old man Wednesday morning after he was reportedly burglarizing a vehicle near Hacienda Avenue and Tamar Drive.

The victim called police at about 8:25 a.m. after he allegedly caught Gabriel Gallegos burglarizing his vehicle. The victim told police he chased after the suspect but ended up losing track of him.

When officers arrived to the area, they saw Gallegos running in the 12800 block of Miracle Hill Road. He continued running from the police and then forced his way into a nearby residence, officers said in the release.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department surrounded the home and Gallegos exited a side window of the home as he attempted to run from officers once again.

Authorities said they were able to arrest Gallegos in the backyard of the home. He was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on charges of 1st degree burglary, petty theft and resisting arrest.