Novi Police Arrest Suspect in Home Invasion Linked to South American Gangs

Novi Police Nab Suspect in Home Invasion Case

In the bustling city of Novi, a recent home invasion has led to the arrest of a woman accused of entering the country illegally, sparking concerns over safety in the area. Vania Herrera Valdes, a 21-year-old from Chile, was arraigned on Thursday at the 52-1 District Court in Novi. She faces serious charges including second-degree home invasion, a hefty 15-year felony, along with resisting arrest, which carries a potential two-year felony sentence. With a judge setting her bond at $100,000, her next court date is already scheduled for December 18.

The Incident That Sparked the Investigation

The drama unfolded on Monday evening around 7:19 PM when a homeowner, keeping a close watch via his security cameras, spotted potential intruders attempting to break into his residence located on Equestrian Trail, near the busy intersection of Eight Mile and Beck roads. Alerted by the security footage, the homeowner quickly called the police.

Responding to the call, officers on patrol noticed a suspicious white van with out-of-state license plates leaving the scene. The police initiated a traffic stop, but things took a wild turn when the driver sped off, leading to a brief pursuit. Eventually, the van pulled over, and as officers approached, a total of four suspects exited and took off on foot!

While one suspect was apprehended, the others managed to evade capture. Despite a thorough search by multiple law enforcement agencies, the suspects remained at large for the time being.

A Twisted Tale of Identity

The suspect in custody—Valdes—tried to throw officers off her trail by providing false information about her identity. However, police took the necessary steps to involve the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, who eventually revealed her true identity. Valdes’s background checked out to show that she had entered the country illegally and had a criminal record in the U.S., raising red flags in the ongoing investigation.

A Community on High Alert

Erick Zinser, Novi’s public safety director and police chief, commended the combined efforts of the police and vigilant citizens. “This is a great example of police and citizens working together to combat these criminal elements that continue to operate throughout the United States,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime.

Novi police have warned residents about a string of similar incidents possibly linked to South American gangs. Just last month, Sheriff Mike Bouchard alerted the community of a series of burglaries targeting upscale homes in Oakland County. He pointed out that these gangs have been associated with thefts that have amounted to up to $4 million in stolen cash and jewelry.

In previous months, multiple arrests were made as a result of collaborative efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies, targeting a group of criminals believed to be from Chile. Given the alarming patterns of crime, Bouchard indicated that such organized crime has been particularly active in Oakland County.

Continuing Vigilance is Key

In light of these events, Zinser has stated that the investigation into this home invasion is still ongoing. He assures the public that there will be a “robust” police presence in neighborhoods affected by these incidents. “We will continue to investigate this crime, working with our county, state, and federal partners. We continue to ask our community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity in your neighborhoods,” he expressed.

If you have any information regarding this home invasion or the identity of the other suspects, Novi police are urging you to come forward. You can do so by calling (248) 348-7100. Your vigilance can help keep your community safe!