JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colorado – A suspected burglar with ties to over a dozen break-ins across the metro area has been arrested, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday.
Favian Gonzalez-Garcia, 32, was arrested on January 1, facing multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, theft amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, criminal mischief, and outstanding warrants.
According to the sheriff’s office, Gonzalez-Garcia allegedly targeted Latino families in mobile home parks, leaving victims to return to ransacked homes, missing valuables, cash, and jewelry.
At the time of his arrest, Gonzalez-Garcia attempted to flee by jumping into an icy pond, but ultimately surrendered to deputies at gunpoint.
The investigation into Gonzalez-Garcia began in May 2023, when a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a burglary report. The victim discovered their home in disarray but noticed a soda can that didn’t belong to the family. The authorities later processed the can, finding DNA from two contributors. In August, the Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory matched the DNA to Gonzalez-Garcia.
In August, another break-in led investigators to the same suspect, now identified as Gonzalez-Garcia, who had been caught on camera during the May burglary.
Further investigation revealed that Denver police had previously identified Gonzalez-Garcia in a prior case. Victims linked to the break-ins also provided key information, including a Facebook profile that led authorities to Gonzalez-Garcia’s identity.
By October, additional burglary cases in Westminster and Thornton were connected to Gonzalez-Garcia. In one incident, he allegedly assaulted a homeowner by spraying mace before fleeing. The Aurora Police Department also connected him to at least 11 cases between November 19 and December 14.
In total, Gonzalez-Garcia is linked to 22 burglary cases and has three active warrants from Adams County.
