DELTONA, Fla. (WFLA) – A suspicious-looking man was arrested Sunday night after a Volusia County lawmaker was spotted walking through Deltena’s neighborhood with a ski mask above his head.
Lawmakers later said they learned that suspect Jalen Vallejos, 20, had “looked her while she was asleep” and had been doing so for six to eight months.
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“I’m just looking at her from the outside,” Vallejos told deputies when asked.
However, the items found in his possession were shown to law enforcement, which may have been more than he was watching her sleep on Sunday night.
Vallejos carried a backpack full of knives, lock picking tools and other unusual items, authorities said. The backpack contained duct tape, wire cutters, spray paint and a sledge hammer, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The 20-year-old eventually told deputies “He was not sure of his intentions this night, but he was afraid that his actions would escalate.” He also admitted that if faced, he could use some items from his ex-dad’s backpack.
“I’m afraid,” Vallejos said when asked if his actions could escalate.
Vallejos was charged with aggravated stalking, attempted armed robbery, lo-fire or wandering, possession of robbery tools and criminal mischief.
He was taken to Volsia County Branch Jail and held without being held.
