Suspected burglar allegedly takes camera while it’s recording live

Calexico Police said a security camera captured the moment it was taken by someone after a break-in and unfortunately for the suspect, the camera continued sending a live feed to authorities.

The next day, police said the same person was back to the same place from where the camera was taken.
Officer Ismael Granados said, “Officers responded to 1107 North Imperial Avenue in reference to a possible commercial burglary in progress.”

He said someone saw suspicious activity going on in the building and called police.

“As he was walking out of his business, he saw a male subject lying on the ground inside the vacant [building],” Granados said.

When police arrived, they went inside the building.

“Searched every room of that vacant building. While the officers were conducting the interior they located a male subject,” Granados said.

They arrested 44-year-old Julio Cesar Benavidez.

“The reaction of the suspect, he seemed shocked. He seemed scared,” Granados said.

Police remembered the images from the missing security camera.

“Positively identified as the subject who entered the building on the previous day and was seen and captured on video footage,” Granados said.

Granados said the wi-fi security camera had internal battery power and kept recording as the suspect fled the area the previous night.
The officer said the area has had several burglaries.

“In the past they have taken wire, they have taken just things that belong to that building,” Granados said.

Benavidez is charged with commercial burglary and theft. The security camera which recorded its own alleged theft has not been recovered.