WORTHINGTON — A Worthington man is in police custody following a Friday morning report of a man breaking windows of homes along Nobles County Road 5.
Officers were told the suspect was inside a shed. When they approached, they heard an engine start, followed by a loud bang when something hit the shed door, according to the criminal complaint. Inside the shed, police found Kevin Velasco Mejia, 22, who reportedly appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance. He was placed under arrest and taken to Nobles County Jail.
Four victims gave statements to police.
The first victim said that after Velasco Mejia had broken a window of their home, the victim followed him and observed him breaking a window on a second residence, then entering the shed of a third property.
The second victim reported that Velasco Mejia had broken a window on the north side of their house.
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The third victim told officers that they'd been awakened by hearing Velasco Mejia attempt to break into the house. Then Velasco Mejia allegedly went to the back door, broke the lock and entered the porch of the home. He also reportedly knocked over the swing set before leaving the yard.
The fourth victim said Velasco Mejia had entered their shed and tried to drive a side-by-side through the door, causing damage. He also allegedly stole a pocket knife from the fourth victim's truck, damaged a sprayer and used gas inside the shed.
Velasco Mejia was charged with first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, two counts of felony first-degree property damage and two counts of misdemeanor fourth-degree property damage. The first-degree burglary charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a $35,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum of six months in prison, but if convicted, Velasco Mejia will be sentenced based on criminal history.
He is being held in Nobles County Jail on bail set at $5,000 with conditions or $20,000 without.
