Fresno Grinch invades home through dog door, unwraps presents

Fresno police took a Christmas Grinch into custody Wednesday morning after he broke into a Tower District house where a 15-year-old girl was home alone.

After the suspect entered through a dog door and began unwrapping family presents, the girl grabbed a guitar to use as a club and took refuge in a locked bathroom. There, she called her mother for help, police Lt. Joe Gomez said.

Officers arrived with lights on and sirens blaring, and used a police dog to arrest the suspect as he ran from the house, Gomez said.

The hot-prowl burglary happened shortly after 8 a.m. in the 1400 block of North Linden Avenue. Gomez said it appears the suspect did not know the girl was in the home. With her phone, she was able to provide updates about the burglar and where he was in the home.

“The little girl did an excellent job. She was ready,” Gomez said.

The police dog subdued the suspect by grabbing his shoulder. Gomez said it did not appear the suspect was seriously injured because he was wearing several jackets. Police were surprised he was able to get through the dog door because of the bulky clothing.

This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 10:19 AM with the headline "Fresno Grinch invades home through dog door, unwraps presents."