On his way to watch his ex-girlfriend sleep, a 20-year-old man was found wandering a Deltona neighborhood with a ski mask on his head, gloves, a knife, and tools. According to deputies, the man was detained.
On suspicion of aggravated stalking, attempted armed burglary, loitering or prowling, possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief, Jalen Vallejos was taken into custody early Monday in Volusia County.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, deputies found Vallejos trying to hide his face while strolling through a neighborhood in Deltona.
Deputies reported that he had a knife, lock-picking equipment, gloves in his pocket, and a ski mask on his head.
In order to keep an eye on his ex-girlfriend while she slept, Vallejos confessed to sheriff’s deputies that he was en route to her home.
“You did intend to go there and, like, watch her?” a deputy can be heard asking in body-camera footage released by the sheriff’s office.
“Yes. I don’t break in. I just watch her from outside,” Vallejos can be heard responding.
According to VSO, he claimed that although he wasn’t certain of his goals for the evening, he was worried that his behavior would worsen.
Vallejos acknowledged, according to deputies, that he had been going to his ex-girlfriend’s house and keeping an eye on her sleeping for as long as eight months.
According to sheriff’s officers, he also admitted to damaging her home in April.
Vallejos drove to the scene in his father’s truck, and deputies reported finding a backpack inside the vehicle with duct tape, wire cutters, spray paint, and a sledgehammer. Vallejos claimed he might use the items to break through a door or use against the victim’s father if he were confronted.
According to the sheriff’s office, Vallejos parked his car close to James Avenue and Cary Street. It is uncommon for strangers to be parked along the road, local neighbors informed News 6.
“I’m actually quite astounded,” one resident said. “Everyone who parks over here usually asks for permission from the neighbors, but to have someone unrelated, it’s something that makes you think about what’s going on in the area.”
After the arrest, neighbors were shocked and worried.
“It’s pretty nice. I would have never imagined this would happen over here,” another resident said.
“My anxiety just went up,” said another.
Eventually, Vallejos was brought to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he was detained without bond.
