Suspect in ski mask arrested for theft in Calexico

A man accused of theft is behind bars after Calexico police said he led them on a pursuit and was eventually taken into custody.

Authorities said they received a call about a man in a ski mask who was suspected of theft near the Calexico high school area early Monday.

The suspect turned out to be Calexico resident Ignacio Alvarez who police said fled the scene on a bicycle when they came into contact with him.

Sgt. Sean Acuna of the Calexico Police Department said, ” the bicyclist failed to yield for the officer’s red lights and siren. At that point, a short pursuit ensued and went through several residential streets in Calexico . ”

While fleeing authorities police said Alvarez pulled a metallic object from his pocket and simulated holding a handgun.

Sgt. Acuna said, ” The officer believing that the suspect is armed with a firearm might take some proactive action or defensive action rather. And it could have ended in some dire consequences where the suspect might have been shot. ”

Police eventually took Alvarez into custody and found stolen items on him.

” And he had several tools in his possession. And he’d also discarded a yellow bicycle that was determined from a local resident in Calexico , ” said Sgt. Acuna .

Police said Alvarez is facing multiple charges.

Sgt. Acuna said, ” False impersonation of another person. Possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools. ”

Concerned resident, Claudia Torres said she’ll sleep better at night knowing her neighborhood will be a little safer.

Torres said, ” Right now it’s safer and hopefully police can continue chasing, finding those kinds of people. We don’t need those kinds of people here. ”

Alvarez was booked into Imperial County Jail on a bail of $ 10 ,000.