Burglary suspect from Chandler wanted by ICE
Justine Wettschreck Worthington Daily Globe
Published Friday, October 17, 2008

SLAYTON — A Hispanic male with an outstanding warrant from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was apprehended in Chandler last week, thanks to the quick thinking of a home-owner who heard noise in her attached garage and called authorities.

Rufo Alexander Garcia-Hernandez was charged Tuesday in Murray County District Court with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree criminal damage to property, obstructing the legal process and disorderly conduct.

According to the criminal complaint, a Chandler woman called 911 while locking herself and her child into their bathroom after hearing noise in the garage. When a Murray County Deputy arrived, he found a Hispanic male on the driveway of the home near the garage door.

The suspect had in his possession a Social Security card and Minnesota driver’s license that identified him as Carlos Resto Detres, but through the course of the investigation, it was determined his real name was Garcia-Hernandez.

The man seemed to be intoxicated and allegedly refused to follow verbal directions of the deputy, who believed Garcia-Hernandez was showing signs of either fleeing or attacking.

Garcia-Hernandez put up a hand to block the deputy’s advance, speaking loudly in Spanish. The deputy had to use force to bring Garcia-Hernandez under control, but eventually got him in the squad car.

After finding new damage to the home, the deputy was able to determine how the man had entered the building. In his report, he noted there had been another burglary at the same residence in late September, which he believes was done by the same man.

When shown a photo of the suspect, the victim became upset and stated she recognized the man as a person who had tried to contact her previously. She said he had come to her home earlier that summer intoxicated and refused to leave.

Garcia-Hernandez lived near a hill close to the home that was burglarized, and worked up the hill at Monogram Meats. The crime scene is along a route he would take if he walked to work on foot.

When brought to the Murray County Sheriff’s Office, Garcia-Hernandez allegedly attempted to flee from custody and had to be threatened with a taser. At the Nobles County Jail, Garcia-Hernandez again attempted to resist a search. It required three officers to secure his property and place him in a cell.

It was during the booking process at the Nobles County Jail that Garcia-Hernandez’s true identity was discovered, as well as the outstanding ICE warrant.

Garcia-Hernandez made an initial court appearance Tuesday, where bail was set at $20,000 and a public defender approved. His next appearance is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. Monday in Slayton.

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