Break-In Suspect Left Probation Papers at Scene

SANTA CLARITA — A Saugus man who left a letter from his probation officer at the scene of a home break-in aided in his own arrest Sunday, the Sheriff’s Department said.

Authorities said Eric Alvarenga, 19, who has a criminal record and was on probation for an unspecified offense, had recently received a note reminding him of an upcoming meeting with his probation officer.

But deputies said that incriminating notice turned up at the home of a Saugus resident who called the Santa Clarita sheriff’s station Friday to report a burglary, said Lt. Dan Castillo. The note included Alvarenga’s name and address.

With that information, detectives went to Alvarenga’s residence, where they found stolen property from the Saugus home as well as other items linking him to other home burglaries in the Saugus area.

Alvarenga told detectives he had committed the burglary and that he pawned some of the property, Castillo said.

In the course of the investigation, detectives also arrested another suspect Sunday in connection with the break-ins, 19-year-old Colin Slack, also of Saugus.

“This incident qualifies for a spot on ‘America’s Dumbest Criminals,’ ” Castillo said. “Every once in a while we get incidents like this. We appreciate the assistance of the crook in aiding us in their apprehension.”