Teenage Girl Helps Identify Accused Burglar

A 43-year-old Murrieta man was arrested earlier this week after deputies said he was identified as one of two burglars who broke into a nearby Temecula home.

Nick James Alvarez of was arrested with the assistance of Murrieta police at about 11:45 p.m. Tuesday at his residence in the 39300 block of Bonaire Way in Murrieta.

Alvarez and an accomplice allegedly broke into a home in the 27000 block of Winchester Creek Road at 2:17 p.m. Tuesday.

Unbeknownst to the suspects, the homeowners' 13-year-old daughter saw the two men allegedly removing several audio and video devices after forcing entry through a bedroom window, said sheriff's Sgt. Gary Lee in a news release.

The teenager's parents told deputies what their daughter had reported. The girl recognized Alvarez from the neighborhood, which sits on the border of the two cities.

Lee said deputies were unable to locate Alvarez on the first attempt.

However, when deputies and Murrieta police returned to the location later that evening, Alvarez agreed to come to the door and speak with the officers about the incident.

"A short time later, the witness arrived at the location and positively identified Alvarez as one of the suspects from the burglary," the sergeant said.

A records check showed Alvarez was on probation for similar crimes. He was being held at Southwest Detention Center as of Thursday on $25,000 bail.

Deputies believe Alavarez may be tied to a rash of other burglaries in the area. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim but has not yet reported it was encouraged to call Deputy Simmons at 951-696-3000.