Imagine coming home one evening and discovering that your house has been burglarized. What would you do? Call the police and wait for them to arrive, right? Well, not if you’re Sal Mercado, a California resident who went Mike Tyson on an intruder.
Mercado, a California resident, came home one evening to find a strange car parked outside his Oak Park house. He shrugged it off as a coincidence and walked towards his front door, but as soon as he walked in, he came face-to-face with an intruder stealing his electronics and jewelry. Without hesitation, he went Mike Tyson on him.
The burglar was part of an organized “crime tourism” ring, consisting of foreign individuals who cross state or international borders to commit crimes before returning home. The first intruder fled to the car waiting outside. Mercado, determined to catch him, tackled him and restrained him, but the first thief got away. Moments later, he ran into another thief coming down the stairs, carrying electronics and jewelry. Mercado did what he knew best and punched him with his right and left hands, sending him stumbling and falling on the grass outside.
“I just went BAM with the right, BAM with the left … I went Mike Tyson on him. He stumbled, then he fell on the grass coming out of the house,” Mercado recounted. He wasn’t going to let another thief get away, so he aggressively pursued the thief and took him down to the ground, restraining him until his neighbors called the police.
The burglar was identified as 43-year-old Chilean migrant Alexis Provoste Aranguiz. He was treated at a local hospital for multiple facial fractures before being charged with conspiracy and first-degree residential burglary. Mercado’s brave actions led to the capture and punishment of one of the perpetrators.
“I just didn’t give him a chance, just hit him, because first of all, I don’t know if he has a gun, a knife, any kind of weapon, right? You just don’t know. Your mind goes crazy,” Mercado said.
Authorities explained that the burglars will often apply for visas online and then fly into LAX to target homeowners. “They’ll typically case neighborhoods in advance and see ways they can get in and out,” said Deputy Ashley Barrios.
Mercado was upset that he wasn’t able to catch the other two thieves, but he is glad he caught one of them. When asked if he would react in the same way after knowing what he now knows, he said, “I’d do it again.”
Mercado’s story highlights a larger problem with the legal system, as it has allowed such criminals to evade justice in similar cases. It’s a common issue that has led to more and more homeowners taking matters into their own hands.
The incident occurred in Oak Park, which is known for its beautiful homes and tight-knit community. However, crime can happen anywhere, and it’s important to be aware of the risks.
Crime tourism is a growing trend that authorities are working hard to combat. In the meantime, homeowners must be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their property. Mercado did the best he could to protect himself and his property, and although the other thieves managed to escape, they won’t be returning to his house anytime soon. Experiencing his “Mike Tyson” response was likely enough to scare them off for good.
Mercado’s bravery in defending his home and his possessions is commendable, and his story serves as an inspiration to others who may find themselves in a similar situation. It is important to remember, however, that confronting burglars can be dangerous and should be approached with caution.
The best way to protect oneself is to have strong locks on all doors and windows, as well as a security system in place. Homeowners should also be aware of the risks and stay vigilant to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
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Sources: Taphaps, Eyewitness News, KTLA
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