Watch CBS News

Police Arrest Suspect After Woman Tied Up With Dog Leash During Home Invasion

GARDEN GROVE (CBSLA.com) — Police have arrested a 51-year-old man in connection with a home invasion Friday in which a woman was tied up with a dog leash.

The suspect, identified by Garden Grove Police as Drew Stelp of Moreno Valley, has been taken into custody.

According to police, the suspect, believed to be the brother of the female homeowner, knocked on the door of the residence on the 11000 block of Larkin drive at approximately 2 p.m.

A cleaning lady in her 20s employed at the home opened the door and saw the suspect holding a bouquet of flowers.

The suspect asked for the female homeowner by name and then forced his way into the residence, tying the woman up with a dog leash at knife-point.

The suspect stated that he was going to kill the homeowners, the maid and then himself, according to police.

CBS2's Michele Gile reports the male homeowner, identified as 62-year-old Mike Mendonis, arrived at approximately 2:30 p.m. and was confronted by the suspect with a knife, ordered to place a blanket over his head and sit down next to the cleaning lady.

Gile spoke to the victim's brother, Gus Mendonis.

"He told my brother sit next to her otherwise he's going to kill the girl," he said.

The male homeowner was also tied up, but was later able to free himself and run out the back door.  He notified a neighbor who called police, according to a GGPD media release.

The victims told authorities they witnessed the suspect drinking alcoholic beverages and swallowing a large quantity of prescription medicine that belonged to the homeowners.

The suspect stole some jewelry, ran out of the house and fled in a blue pick-up truck with a camper shell, police said.

The maid was able to free herself and was found in the backyard, unharmed by the responding officers.

Newport Beach Police located the suspect and went into pursuit.

They were able to use spike strips to disable the suspect vehicle and took him into custody, recovering the knives and jewelry.

The suspect was admitted at Hoag Hospital, suffering from medical problems believed to be related to alcohol and drugs allegedly ingested at the scene of the crime. Authorities said he remained in "serious condition" on Friday night.

Authorities say Stelp was recently released from prison in Arizona. Authorities intend to book him on robbery, kidnapping, burglary and felony evasion.

The Garden Grove Police Department is asking anyone with additional information to contact its Investigations Unit at 714-741-5800.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.