A Florida man was arrested after allegedly admitting he was on his way to his ex-girlfriend’s house to watch her sleep through her bedroom window. Jalen Vallejos, 20, is facing multiple charges including aggravated stalking, attempted armed burglary, loitering, and prowling. Deputies found him with burglary tools and a sledgehammer, suggesting his intentions may have gone beyond just observing his ex.
The Investigation
The investigation began late Sunday night when a Volusia County Sheriff’s deputy patrolling a Deltona neighborhood spotted Vallejos acting suspiciously. The deputy noticed Vallejos trying to hide his face, wearing a ski mask and layering his clothes despite the warm temperature of 76 degrees. When the deputy confronted him, Vallejos claimed, “It gets kind of cold out,” as an explanation for his outfit.
The deputy observed a knife clipped to Vallejos’ belt, and upon further search, discovered burglary tools in his pocket and weeds on his clothing, indicating he had been walking through vegetation. Vallejos initially claimed he was “just taking a walk,” but after further questioning, he admitted that he was heading to his ex-girlfriend’s home to watch her sleep through her bedroom window.
Vallejos’ Admission
According to the police report, Vallejos revealed he had been watching his ex-girlfriend sleep for several months since their breakup, which had occurred six months earlier. He also admitted to having a sledgehammer in the truck he drove to the area, though he insisted he was not planning to harm anyone. Vallejos claimed the items were for self-defense, but also acknowledged that his actions had been “escalating” over time. He reportedly said, “I’m afraid,” during the conversation with deputies.
After being read his Miranda rights, Vallejos confessed to having burglary tools, including duct tape, wire cutters, and black spray paint, which he had previously used to vandalize his ex-girlfriend’s garage. He also stated that he planned to use the tools to disable her home’s security system and break the lock on the gate to her property.
Ex-Girlfriend’s Statement
When deputies spoke with Vallejos’ ex-girlfriend and her father, they confirmed that they had broken up months earlier, and she no longer wanted contact with him. The ex-girlfriend reported that Vallejos had continued to call her and show up at her home uninvited. She and her father also confirmed that someone had spray-painted their garage in April, which they now believed was Vallejos.
Upon learning about the burglary tools found on Vallejos, the ex-girlfriend and her father expressed fear for their safety, as the items suggested a potential escalation of his behavior.
The Arrest and Charges
Deputies arrested Vallejos and transported him to the Volusia County Jail, where he remains without bond. He has been assigned a public defender to represent him in court. Vallejos is facing serious charges, including aggravated stalking, attempted armed burglary, possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood voiced his concerns about the seriousness of the situation, stating, “I mean, that’s got all the signs to me that somebody’s getting killed.” The sheriff’s comment underscores the potential danger of the situation, with the items found suggesting Vallejos may have been planning something much more sinister than just stalking.
This case highlights the dangers of obsessive behavior and the importance of taking immediate action in stalking situations. The police have emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Vallejos and the potential harm he could have caused had he not been arrested. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge about the true intentions behind his actions.
