BRANDON — Brandon police on Wednesday night arrested two people on multiple charges, including burglary and assault on a law enforcement officer, after a Church Street homeowner interrupted what police allege was a burglary in process.
Police arrested Manuel B. Vasquez, 26, whom they described as a transient with a Burlington address, and charged him with burglary, resisting arrest, assault on a law enforcement officer, assault with bodily fluids, and unlawful mischief. Police lodged Vasquez at the Marble Valley Correctional Center.
Police also arrested Arica L. Johnson, 18, of Brandon and cited her for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, impeding public officers, and unlawful mischief. Johnson was also lodged at the Marble Valley Correctional Center.
Brandon police were first alerted just before 11 p.m. of a burglary in progress at a Church Street home. A resident told police he came home to find his door open and upon entering found a man inside carrying property toward the door.
The resident said a fight ensued, after which the suspect later identified as Vasquez fled on foot as officers arrived. Cpl. David Butterfield and Officer Adam Murach responded and found Vasquez, who was identified by the victim, in the yard of a neighboring home. Vasquez, who police allege refused to obey verbal commands, was taken into custody for the burglary.
Police said while Vasquez was being arrested he fought with police, while his girlfriend, who they identified as Johnson, began kicking the police cruiser and yelling obscenities at police. Johnson was then taken into custody for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Police allege that while being processed at the Brandon Police Department, Vasquez, who was secured by one handcuff to be processed, grabbed and swung a chair, damaging property in the processing room. After being secured by both arms and legs, police said Vasquez did further damage by banging his head through sheetrock walls.
They also allege that Johnson, who was being processed in another holding area, took the opportunity to damage sheetrock walls and baseboard heating while both officers secured Vasquez.