Burglar Caught After Victim Calls 9-1-1

MODESTO, CA – Modesto Police officers arrested a 36-year-old Modesto parolee this morning after he attempted to break into a house he thought was un-occupied.  
The attempted break-in occurred in the 2800 block of Malaga Way in Modesto around 9:00 am.  The owner of the home, a 60-year-old male, was in a room near the front of the house when a man, later identified as Carl Wall, rang the doorbell.  The doorbell is located on the outside of a gated courtyard.  The victim looked out the window but didn’t recognize Wall so he didn’t answer the door.  The victim continued to watch Wall and saw him take a pry-bar and force the courtyard gate open.  Wall then began walking toward the front door when the victim opened it and started yelling at him.  Wall turned and ran and the victim immediately called 9-1-1.  

The Modesto Police Department Traffic Unit was in the area conducting traffic enforcement when the call came over the radio.  Several motorcycle officers responded to the area and found Wall walking in Sylvan Park on East Rumble Road near Niabell Place.  Wall matched the description and was detained.  The victim responded to the scene and identified Wall as the man who tried to break in to his house.  

Investigating officers determined Wall had parked his car near Sylvan Park and began walking through the neighborhood looking for a house to burglarize.  Officers believe Wall rang the victim’s doorbell and, when no one answered, assumed no one was home.  Officers located Wall’s vehicle and found several crowbars and pry-bars in the trunk.  Wall also was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and a drug pipe.  Wall was booked for a parole violation, attempted burglary, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

A prior booking photo of Wall is attached.  For information about this news release contact Sergeant Craig Gundlach at (209) 652-3184.