A suspect in two residential burglaries was arrested by Carlsbad police today

CARLSBAD (KUSI) – A suspect in two residential burglaries was arrested today, police said.

The suspect, 26-year-old Esparza Alan Arias of Los Angeles, was arrested by the Carlsbad Police Department at 1:38 a.m. hiding behind a vehicle in the 3000 block of Xana Way.

Investigators said they believe Arias entered two homes and tried to enter a third when the resident encountered the suspect and fired a warning gunshot in the air.

The first incident occurred at about 12:30 a.m. in the 6500 block of Paseo Frontera. The victim didn’t contact police until 1:24 a.m. The suspect reportedly entered the house and touched the resident while he was sleeping. The resident woke up and confronted the suspect, who fled the house.

The second incident was reported at 1:12 a.m. in the 2900 block of Unicornio Street. Again, the resident woke up and confronted the suspect, who fled the house.

The third incident happened at 1:29 a.m. on Xana Way. The resident said the suspect tried to enter his home. He confronted the suspect through a window and the suspect fled. The resident stepped out to the front of his home and fired a warning gunshot into the air.

Officers were nearby investigating the other incidents and heard the gunshot. They converged on the area and found the suspect hiding behind a vehicle and took him into custody.

Investigators are asking residents in the area to check their surveillance cameras and call 760-931-3819 to report any possible sightings of the suspect.

Arias was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. According to jail records, he is suspected of four felonies: two first- degree burglaries, one attempted burglary and one sexual battery. He’s also suspected of two misdemeanors: one for possible non-narcotic drug possession and one for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Arias is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.