Shirtless Thief Climbs Down From East LA Roof After Nearly 4-Hour Standoff
EAST LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A burglary suspect Friday climbed down from the roof of an East Los Angeles home after a nearly four-hour standoff.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies were called to the house in the 5300 block of Grace Place around 7 a.m.
"Apparently a bail bondsman went to the location to make contact with this guy. He refused; they called our East LA station to assist them," Deputy Aura Sierra said.
The bondsman arrived at the house around 6:30 a.m. to apprehend 37-year-old Michael Vargas, who allegedly forfeited a bail bond.
Vargas, who was hiding in an attic, later climbed up to the roof and crouched on the chimney of the home, which reportedly belongs to his girlfriend's parents.
Authorities placed a ladder on the side of the house in an effort to coax him down, and after nearly four hours, he complied.
Vargas has a bench warrant out for burglary and grand theft. He was also previously on probation for possessing a firearm.
Authorities, who found another firearm and a bullet-proof vest in the house on Friday, said Vargas will pick up two new charges.
