[Editor's Note: First date corrected. I missed it, how many of you did?]

By Roger Lanse

On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at about 6:57 p.m., a Silver City Police Department officer was dispatched to an unwanted subject call at 512 29th Street. The Grant County Regional Dispatch Authority advised that Robert Maldonado, (45, of Silver City), was in the residence, and he has a criminal trespass warning and an order of protection at that location. GCRDA also advised that the reporting party observed Maldonado on his doorbell camera and stated Maldonado, the victim's brother, does not have a key to the residence.

According to an SCPD incident report, responding officers encountered Maldonado exiting the front door of the residence, but when he saw the officers, he ran back inside. Ignoring commands to stop, Maldonado ran into the back yard and into the alley. While officers were securing the residence, Grant County Sheriff's Office deputies were assisting and advised they had Maldonado in investigative detention at 18th and Yucca streets. Officers asked deputies to place Maldonado under arrest. The deputies did and also located what tested for methamphetamine on Maldonado's person.

Officers contacted the victim to apprise him of the situation. The victim said he saw Maldonado on the camera 'forcefully' opening the front screen door, then heard a 'loud crash' and determined that Maldonado either pushed or kicked the second door gaining entry into the residence. Officers saw that the door hinge was damaged and the door appeared to have been forcefully opened.

The victim told the officers, the report stated, nothing appeared to have been taken and the only damage was to the front door which would cost approximately $500 to repair. He also provided video footage to the investigation.

Maldonado was booked into the Grant County Detention Center, charged with breaking and entering; resisting, evading, or obstructing a peace officer x 2; violating the order of protection; and possession of a controlled substance.

According to GCDC staff. Maldonado remains in custody as of Dec. 28.