Two men have been arrested in connection with a string of burglaries targeting homes under construction in the Live Oak Lake neighborhood, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.
Gabriel Sarmiento, 26, and Michael Torres Colon, 24, were apprehended after a resident reported suspicious activity in the area. Officers observed the suspects driving separately, with Sarmiento in a moving truck and Torres Colon in a sedan. The two attempted to flee but were quickly stopped after turning onto a dead-end street.
Inside the rental truck, police discovered several stolen home appliances, including ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators, all of which had been taken from nearby construction sites. In addition to the stolen goods, officers found illegal narcotics and a handgun in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the rental truck itself had been reported stolen.
Both suspects now face multiple charges, including burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft, trespassing on a construction site, criminal mischief, grand theft auto, and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke stated, “These acts have no business in our community and will not be tolerated. Criminals who think St. Cloud will offer an easy score are sorely mistaken, and we will use all resources to bring them swiftly to justice.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if Sarmiento and Torres Colon are connected to other similar burglaries in the area. The St. Cloud Police Department encourages residents to report any suspicious activity to help keep the community safe.
