PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) – A dramatic confrontation in Pueblo led to the arrests of two men — one for burglary, the other for assault during a citizen’s arrest.
On Thursday, police responded to the 1700 block of Joliet Avenue after receiving reports of three men physically detaining a suspected burglar. Upon arrival, officers found 21-year-old Joseph Mares bound with black and yellow duct tape in a front yard.
Investigators learned Mares had allegedly broken into a nearby home with others before being chased and caught by residents. One of those residents, 26-year-old Cruz Alarcon, was later identified in surveillance footage using what police called excessive force to subdue Mares.
Mares sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital, then arrested for second-degree burglary upon release. Alarcon was arrested for second-degree assault and felony menacing with a real or simulated weapon.
Authorities emphasized that while citizen’s arrests are legal in Colorado under specific conditions, using unreasonable force or conducting an unlawful arrest could result in serious charges like assault or false imprisonment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
