The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of a Fresno man who was apprehended by a Sheriff’s K-9 during a residential burglary in the 500 block of W Vartikian Ave. Arrested was 43 year old Brandy Allen Warrick.

Shortly after 8:30 this morning, deputies were dispatched to a possible burglary in-progress call after a neighbor reported seeing an unfamiliar person enter his neighbor’s garage through a side door.

Deputies arrived within minutes of being dispatched, established a perimeter around the garage, and made contact with the residents who were at home. Deputies confirmed that all of the residents were accounted for, and were advised no one should be in the garage.

Deputies then made several announcements into the garage, ordering anyone inside to come out. After receiving no response, K-9 “Sony” was deployed. Within seconds, screaming could be heard from inside the garage. Deputies entered and found Sony detaining Warrick on the garage floor. Sony had located Warrick in the driver seat of a parked car, grabbed onto his leg, and pulled him out. Deputies were able to take Warrick into custody without further incident.

As Warrick was led from the garage, the neighbor who had reported the incident pointed out Warrick was wearing shoes that belonged to him. The shoes had been in his car which was parked on the street. Deputies discovered the neighbor’s car had been broken into and the shoes taken. Warrick’s other shoes were found in a nearby trash can.

Warrick was transported by ambulance to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries he sustained during his apprehension. Once released, he will be booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of burglary, theft, and resisting arrest.

Now that the holiday season has arrived, the Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public burglaries and theft calls will increase, and criminals will look for easy opportunities. It is extremely important to stay alert and avoid becoming a victim.

An easy place to start would be to close and lock windows and doors. Almost half of all burglaries occur in homes with unlocked doors. If possible, consider installing an alarm for added protection.

When you leave your residence, leave some lights on and maybe a radio or television to make it appear someone is home. If you’re leaving for an extended period of time, stop your mail and newspaper and ask a trusted family member or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

Be wary of strangers and/or those soliciting for charitable donations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the organization. Some solicitors might be casing your home for a future break-in. Think about answering through the door for added protection.