DELTONA, Fla. – A 20-year-old man who had a ski mask on his head while carrying gloves, a knife and tools was arrested after he was caught prowling a Deltona neighborhood on his way to watch his ex-girlfriend sleep, deputies said.
Jalen Vallejos was arrested early Monday in Volusia County on charges of aggravated stalking, attempted armed burglary, loitering or prowling, possession of burglary tools and criminal mischief.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office said deputies located Vallejos walking in a Deltona neighborhood while attempting to conceal his face.
He had a ski mask on his head and gloves in his pocket, along with a knife and lock-picking tools, according to deputies.
Vallejos admitted to sheriff’s deputies that he was on his way to his ex-girlfriend’s house to watch her while she slept.
“You did intend to go there and, like, watch her?” a deputy can be heard asking in body-camera footage released by the sheriff’s office.
“Yes. I don’t break in. I just watch her from outside,” Vallejos can be heard responding.
He said he wasn’t sure of his intentions on this night, but he was afraid his actions could escalate, according to VSO.
Deputies said Vallejos admitted that he has been visiting his ex-girlfriend’s house and watching her sleep for up to the last eight months.
In addition, he confessed that he vandalized her house in April, according to sheriff’s officials.
Vallejos used his father’s truck to drive to the area, and deputies said inside the vehicle they found a backpack containing duct tape, wire cutters, spray paint and a sledgehammer, which Vallejos stated he would potentially use to break through a door or use against the victim’s father if confronted.
Ther sheriff’s office said that Vallejos had parked his vehicle near Cary Street and James Avenue. Neighbors in the area told News 6 that it’s unusual for unfamiliar vehicles to be parked along the roadway.
“I’m actually quite astounded,” one resident said. “Everyone who parks over here usually asks for permission from the neighbors, but to have someone unrelated, it’s something that makes you think about what’s going on in the area.”
Neighbors expressed shock and concern following the arrest.
“It’s pretty nice. I would have never imagined this would happen over here,” another resident said.
“My anxiety just went up,” said another.
Vallejos was ultimately taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail and held without bond.