INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Police have arrested an Indian River County man accused of breaking into a woman’s home Sunday night while she was sleeping in a bed with her two juvenile daughters. When she woke up, the man was sitting on the edge of her bed with half of his clothes removed, according to the arrest report.
Martin Mondragon, 38, of the 4900 block of 33rd Avenue in Vero Beach, now faces charges including felony burglary of an occupied dwelling, felony criminal mischief, and misdemeanor disorderly intoxication.
The victim told authorities she was familiar with Mondragon. She reported he had been at her home spending time with her and her roommate earlier in the day on Sunday Sept. 27.
During their interactions on Sunday, Mondragon called the victim “mi amor” and claimed the two were now “boyfriend and girlfriend,” she reported to police. His comments made her uncomfortable so she asked him to leave the residence, which he did after some hesitation, the report states.
The victim later fell asleep and woke up to find Mondragon had forced his way back into her home and was in her bedroom. Mondragon had already removed his shoes, his shirt, and had unfastened his pants when the victim woke up, according to the report.
Around that time, the victim’s roommate’s daughter arrived home and helped the victim remove the man from the home, the report shows.
Mondragon is also accused of breaking a water pipe in the victim’s backyard, causing water to burst 20 to 25 feet in the air and flood the area, according to the report. The utilities company responded to shut off the water. Mondragon is also accused of damaging the front door handle and chain lock, which he authorities say he broke while forcing entry into the home.
When police arrived, they found Mondragon drinking with a group of people several homes down. He reportedly told authorities that he “fell in love” with the victim, and said he did knock on her door but no one answered.
According to the report, he also told police he tripped on the water pipe when he went to urinate in the victim’s backyard.
Police found blood on the front door of the residence where the lock had been broken, and Mondragon was bleeding from a fresh cut on his wrist, according to the report. Witnesses say Mondragon had been drinking for several hours leading up to the incident.
Total damage to the door and water pipe is estimated at $350, according to the arrest report.
Mondragon is being held in the Indian River County Jail in lieu of $60,500 bond.