Florida Man Arrested for Aggravated Stalking, Caught Prowling in Deltona Neighborhood
Deltona, FL — A 20 year old Florida man, Jalen Vallejos, faces multiple charges, including aggravated stalking, after being caught prowling in a Volusia County neighborhood late Saturday night, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested Vallejos around 11:30 p.m. on June 1 near Fort Smith Boulevard and E Normandy Boulevard in Deltona, an area recently plagued by a surge in car break-ins and burglaries.
A patrolling deputy spotted Vallejos walking through the neighborhood wearing a ski mask and attempting to conceal his face with his hands. He was dressed in a dark hoodie and carrying gloves, a knife, and lock-picking tools in his pocket, authorities said.
Initially, Vallejos claimed he was walking to help with insomnia and was covering his face because he felt cold. However, he later admitted to deputies that he was on his way to his ex-girlfriend’s house, where he had been secretly watching her sleep for the past six to eight months. He also confessed to vandalizing her home in April, according to the arrest report.
Investigators discovered Vallejos had driven to the area in his father’s truck, where they found a backpack containing duct tape, wire cutters, spray paint, and a sledgehammer. Vallejos reportedly told deputies he might have used the tools to break through a door or against his ex-girlfriend’s father if confronted.
The former couple dated from 2022 until their breakup six months ago. The ex-girlfriend told authorities she ended the relationship and made it clear she wanted no further contact, but Vallejos repeatedly tried to reach her by phone and showed up at her residence despite her requests to stop.
Vallejos now faces charges of aggravated stalking, attempted armed burglary, loitering or prowling, possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief. He is being held without bond at the Volusia County jail and is scheduled to appear before a judge at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 2.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case as the community remains on alert amid recent neighborhood crime concerns.
