San Antonio police have arrested 54-year-old Isreal Padilla in connection with a bold burglary at a home under construction, sparking concern among local homebuilders and residents. Police believe Padilla could be linked to a series of similar thefts affecting homes in the area.
The charge stems from a burglary on November 4, when officers responded to a theft at a home in the 3100 block of Dreamweaver. According to the police report, a stove and refrigerator were stolen from the house still under construction. Security camera footage outside the home helped authorities identify Padilla as one of the suspects.
The video showed two men entering the home and removing the appliances, which they loaded into the back of a pickup truck. While Padilla was arrested, the second suspect remains unidentified, and investigators suspect Padilla may be responsible for additional similar crimes, though charges in those cases have not yet been filed.
Residents in the Sutton Farms subdivision, where the crime occurred, have expressed concern about suspicious activity in the area. Kevin Tirato, a local homeowner, noted that the neighborhood experiences quiet nights, which could make it easier for criminals to take advantage of unattended homes.
Construction workers have also been affected by these types of crimes. Raul Garcia, a foreman for JoMia Construction, emphasized the difficulty of keeping tools and materials safe on job sites. “People nowadays are desperate. They just want easy money, and they don’t care,” Garcia said.
Tirato, once hesitant to report unusual activity, now plans to be more vigilant. “If I see something, I’ll call the police,” he stated, promising to monitor his cameras more closely.
The arrest of Padilla highlights the ongoing issue of thefts targeting construction sites, raising awareness for homeowners and builders to remain vigilant against such crimes.
