ESTERO, Fla. — A 29-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he attempted to break into an Estero home, threatened the occupants and caused significant property damage.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress on Feb. 12. Upon arrival, they detained the suspect, Jose Alberto Alen.
An occupant of the home told deputies that Alen began by smashing side windows before moving to the front door, breaking a window and attempting to force his way inside. The resident reportedly armed themselves with a kitchen knife and braced the front door to prevent entry.
Authorities say Alen then turned his attention to a vehicle parked outside, damaging it. Deputies confirmed that both side mirrors and taillights were shattered.
A second resident told deputies they had earlier seen Alen loitering outside the home after returning from work and asked him to leave. Approximately two hours later, they said, he returned. According to the report, Alen knocked on a bedroom window, which the occupant locked. He then allegedly punched the window, causing it to shatter.
Doorbell camera footage obtained by investigators reportedly shows Alen attempting to remove the device from its mounting bracket. A neighbor told deputies they heard glass breaking and a woman screaming before calling 911.
Deputies said that while Alen was later at a hospital being treated for minor injuries, they discovered a bag containing a white powdery substance on him. The substance reportedly tested positive for cocaine.
Alen was booked into the Lee County Jail on charges including burglary with assault or battery, simple assault with threat of violence, two counts of criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, resisting an officer without violence and possession of a controlled substance. The investigation remains ongoing.
