A 20-year-old man was arrested in Volusia County after he allegedly admitted to stalking his ex-girlfriend for months and watching her sleep in her home.
On Sunday, June 1, a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted a man, identified as Jalen Vallejos, who was walking in a Deltona neighborhood at night. The deputy observed that Vallejos was “attempting to conceal his face,” according to VCSO.
The sheriff’s office stated that Vallejos was wearing a ski mask, and he had a knife and lock-picking tools inside his pocket.
During an interview with law enforcement, Vallejos allegedly stated that he was “on his way to his ex-girlfriend’s house” in order to “watch her while she slept.” He allegedly further advised that he had visited his ex’s house over the past six to eight months to watch her sleep.
In addition, VCSO stated that Vallejos admitted to vandalizing his ex’s home in April.
Vallejos had driven his father’s pickup truck to the Deltona neighborhood. Deputies located the vehicle, and a backpack was found inside, which allegedly contained duct tape, wire cutters, spray paint, and a sledgehammer.
According to VCSO, Vallejos told investigators that he “wasn’t sure of his intentions” had he reached his ex’s house. When questioned about the sledgehammer, Vallejos allegedly stated that he “would potentially use [it] to break through a door” at his ex-girlfriend’s home, adding that he could also have used it in self-defense if he were “confronted” by his ex’s father.
Vallejos was placed under arrest and booked into Volusia County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is facing the following charges: aggravated stalking, attempted armed burglary, loitering or prowling, possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief.