4 intruders allegedly wake victims, steal electronics

Published 4:45 pm Monday, February 27, 2012

Police are searching for three suspects after at least four men allegedly broke into an Austin home, assaulted the occupants and stole electronic equipment early Sunday morning.

Harley Becker, 19, of Brownsdale, Kyler Morehouse, 20, of Wells, and Jordan Cox, 20, of Austin, are wanted for questioning after victims say the men allegedly broke into a house at the 400 block of Second Avenue SW, repeatedly punched and hit two girls under the age of 18 and a 19-year-old man, and made off with several cell phones and a 32-inch TV, according to Police Chief Brian Krueger.

Krueger said officers were called to the home at around 5:43 a.m. Sunday. At least four men allegedly broke into the home and woke up the girls, who recognized them by the sound of their voices. The 19-year-old man told police he woke up to the girls shouting.

Email newsletter signup

The victims told police the men allegedly pushed, punched and kicked them. The man’s Samsung cell phone, valued at $300, was taken, along with a 32-inch Samsung plasma TV valued at $400. One of the girls’ cell phones was taken as well. The victims also told police one of the men said they had a gun but never showed it. Krueger said the men reportedly did not use weapons and it was unclear how the men broke in.

Police identified and arrested one suspect, Nestor Valle, 19, of Austin. He is being held at the Mower County jail pending a formal complaint.