Walker County Sheriff’s Investigator, Sgt. Tim Thomas, looks some evidence that was discovered in the back of this pickup truck following a burglary at a residence on Twin Valley Road in Nauvoo. Photo Special to the Eagle
Investigator Sgt. Tim Thomas said Rogelio Arrez Malagon, 40, of Country Club Road in Jasper, was taken into custody around 10:30 a.m. Thursday after he attempted to break into a residence in Nauvoo.
“The west side of the county has been hit pretty hard lately with burglaries, but Thursday morning we caught a break when sheriff’s patrol deputies Scott Drummond and Paul Anderson took him into custody,” Thomas said. “Since then, we have connected him with several other burglaries, which have occurred on the west side of the county.”
Thomas said Malagon first attempted to break into a residence on Alabama Highway 5, but a female who lives at the residence was home and yelled at him as he tried to climb into a window.
“He fled that scene in a pickup truck, and about 10 minutes later, he broke into a residence on Twin Valley Road in Nauvoo,” Thomas said. “The homeowner’s brother spotted a suspicious vehicle backed up to the door and blocked it in with his vehicle.”
Thomas said the homeowner’s brother tried to hold Malagon at gunpoint until help could arrive, but the suspect broke away and ran off into the woods.
“The victim’s family members took off in pursuit, but soon lost sight of the suspect,” Thomas said. “Malagon was apprehended a short time later about three-quarters of a mile away from the residence on Twin Valley Road by Deputy Anderson.”
Thomas said Malagon is currently being held in the Walker County Jail, with bond to be set, on charges of third-degree burglary, first-degree theft of property, resisting arrest and giving false identification. More charges are pending.
“We recovered all of the property he took in the burglary on Twin Valley Road, as well as property from several other burglaries that have occurred on the west side,” Thomas said. “We also determined Malagon is in this country illegally, so he will also be facing charges for that as well.”