CORONADO, Calif. (KGTV) — A homeless man is accused of squatting in multi-million dollar mansions in Coronado.
“We don't know what his intentions are,” said Coronado resident, Joe Ditler.
Ditler said he spotted the guy accused of breaking into his neighbor’s home.
“He was just walking casually, he looked like he was looking for his car,” said Ditler.
RELATED: Family about to close escrow, someone else moves in
Police said Carlos Armento, 26, got into an empty home on Encino Row Tuesday afternoon. The next day, he broke into another home on Tolita Avenue.
“It's a violation, you think everything is calm and safe, it's disturbing,” said Ditler.
In both cases, police said the man targeted homes that were for sale. They said Armento told them he was trying to find a place to sleep.
RELATED: Accused squatter agrees to stay away from widow's home forever, settles civil case
“Is he going to break in and sleep or is he going to break in and steal something or is he going to hurt somebody, you just don't know,” said Ditler.
Police said Armento forced his way in through unlocked bedroom windows. They arrested him Wednesday, but let him go because they said squatting is a non-bookable misdemeanor offense.
“They had this guy caught in the act, and they let him go to do it again, it's ridiculous,” said Ditler.
Police said in order to charge a squatter with burglary; there needs to be an intent to commit a theft or any other felony in the home.
RELATED: California eviction requirements for landlords, tenants
