Burglary suspect beaten by homeowner

A burglary suspect trying to break into a south-side Tucson home early Saturday morning got a beating when the homeowner caught him in the act, authorities reported.

Just after 4:30 a.m., Cesar Chavez?, 21, was caught outside a home in the 4700 block of East Silverpuffs Way near South Swan and East Valencia roads, Deputy Jesus Bañuelos?, spokesman for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, said in a news release.

“The victim heard some noises outside his home and went out to investigate,” Bañuelos said.

“A struggle ensued when the resident tried to detain Mr. Chavez until deputies arrived,” Bañuelos said. “During the struggle, the victim along with Mr. Chavez, suffered minor scrapes and bruises. The victim was able to detain Mr. Chavez until deputies arrived approximately three minutes later.”

While investigating, deputies found a window screen that had been tampered with and several vehicles that were broken into.

Chavez was taken to a hospital before being booked into Pima County jail. He faces two counts of third-degree burglary, and one count each of attempted second-degree burglary and attempted auto theft.