A Monday morning burglary in Avenal was foiled earlier this week when two suspects failed to notice a sleeping resident in the house, who snuck away to contact the Kings County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies working with the Kings County Probation Department arrested an 18-year-old man and an unnamed juvenile at 8:45 a.m. when the pair was seen leaving a residence in the 500 block of Merced Street carrying backpacks loaded with cash, a Sony PlayStation and other valuables from a nearby home.

Sergio Pulido, 18, was arrested without incident and admitted to his involvement in the home burglary. The juvenile, who was not named due to his age, confessed to this burglary and two other unsolved burglary incidents in the Avenal area.

Investigators also reportedly found a mask, gloves, a bandanna, zip ties and knives in their possession, though none of these items were used in commission of the crime.

The victim was apparently able to identify both suspects and the items stolen from the residence.

Pulido was booked into the Kings County Jail on suspicion of burglary, conspiracy, possession of a weapon and a gang enhancement. His bail was set at $80,000.

The juvenile was booked into the Kings County Juvenile Center on suspicion of the same charges, in addition to the two additional burglaries, according to law enforcement officials.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Oct. 2, 2008)