A Northern California woman was arrested Monday after allegedly stealing from a vehicle and subsequently fleeing into the yard of an off-duty police officer. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Lacey Roberts, was confronted by the homeowner after the alleged car break-in on Humboldt Road in Chico.
According to the Chico Police Department (CPD), Roberts fled across a creek and into a residential area. She then reportedly climbed onto a parked truck and jumped a fence into a neighboring yard, where she encountered the off-duty officer. The homeowner escorted Roberts to the front of the property, and the officer attempted to detain her.
Roberts attempted to flee again but was detained by the officer until on-duty officers arrived. She sustained minor injuries during the process. The CPD stated on Facebook that she had "picked the wrong neighborhood."
Roberts was booked on four misdemeanor warrants and faces additional charges including battery on a peace officer and possessing a controlled substance. This incident occurred in the same city where, on June 22, a gunman killed two men and injured a young girl at the Butte County Library. The 18-year-old gunman in that incident was reportedly influenced by the Columbine High School Massacre and discussions on online forums related to mass shootings.