Vandals break into home, assault the owners

The home owners, who did not wish to be identified by name, are a young married couple, who have done a lot of work to clean and repair their home. "I've taken 100 yards of trash out of house," said the husband, who is a roofer. The couple checks on the home frequently, even going so far as to board up and lock doors and windows in an effort to secure it from vandals.

On July 12, 2017, the couple were surprised, when they came to check on the home, to see boards on doors kicked in and locks removed. When they went in, they realized that there were 2 interlopers, a man and a woman, sleeping in the basement. The husband went to the basement and said "Leave my home." The sleeping duo woke and started to gather their items and leave. Once outside though, the uninvited man attacked the owner with a machete. The owner was cut in several places including his head. He fought back, his wife said about her husband, "He doesn't like to back down." The intruders left. Police were called. EMT's and police arrived. The husband did not want to go to the hospital. Officer Glenn Bustos collected evidence and obtained information from the couple.

911 responders arrived to assist couple.

The Couple Demonstrated where the attack took place.

After looking through the home, the couple discovered that there were several items missing including a washer and dryer. The interlopers left a few items including a backpack and trash.

Officer Bustos gathered Evidence and placed it in vehicle.

The intruders' clothing was described as a black muscle shirt and black shorts for the male and a black shirt and jean capri pants for the female.

Officer Bustos said that "Tweakers and Druggies breaking into vacant homes is all too common." He did not, however, feel the same about machete attacks. He said that the police are looking for the vandals. The couple were left to take care of wounds and to clean up and secure the home again.

As of Friday, July 14, 2017, there has been no response from written request for police report. One may not be available for a while due to the "open" status of the case at this time.

Theft and drugs are correlated according to Bureau Chief of Detention, Jeff Teschner. He is concerned about the opioid epidemic. In 2016 there were 1,100 opioid involved admissions to the Pueblo jail. They looked at 300 of those and found that of the 300 inmates studied, 70% were repeat offenders, and 74% were arrested for possession as well as theft. Teschner mentioned, and it was reported in the Chieftain, that there is a pilot substance abuse program, that was started in the Pueblo County Jail in January, and is showing promise. The jails Vivitrol program has requirements including that the inmate will be in jail for at least 6 weeks. The program is voluntary and has a waiting list. While the long term effects of the program on incidents of theft and drug abuse is unknown, Pueblo citizens are hopeful.

Bureau Chief of Detention

Jeff Teschner discussed

Concerns at task Force meeting.

August 1, 2017, body cam video obtained, drug paraphernalia seen in house. Vandals had left bicycle.