MOUNT PLEASANT (WITI) -- Three young men have been criminally charged, accused of breaking into a Mount Pleasant home under construction so that they could "socialize, drink and run around." One of the men was out on bail at the time of the crime.
Those charged include:
20-year-old Tyler Cecconie of Racine
-criminal damage to property as party to a crime
-misdemeanor bail jumping (three counts)
-disorderly conduct
-obstructing an officer
20-year-old Hayden Gonzalez of Racine
-criminal damage to property as party to a crime
-disorderly conduct
-obstructing an officer
18-year-old Charles Sytsma of Racine
-obstructing an officer (repeater)
-criminal damage to property as party to a crime (repeater)
-disorderly conduct (repeater)
On Tuesday, March 31st, Mount Pleasant police responded to the 2100 block of Gala Drive for a report of individuals causing damage to a home under construction in the area.
Police spoke with a witness who said she was driving past the home when she saw a male walking towards the front door. The male paused when she slowed down, and then continued towards the door as she drove past.
At the home, an officer aimed his spotlight at the back of the home and observed three men jump out of a door and begin running into a wooded area. The officer gave chase, and eventually, one of the men turned and began running towards the officer. The officer continued his pursuit, eventually drawing his taser and shouting for the men to stop. The officer deployed his taser and struck Sytsma, who was then advised to stay on the ground as he tried repeatedly to get up. Two officers were required in order to get Sytsma into handcuffs.
Another officer who was assisting with this foot pursuit ordered the other two men out of the woods. They were identified as Cecconie and Gonzalez.
Police say Cecconie appeared under the influence of alcohol -- with bloodshot, glassy eyes and the odor of intoxicants on his breath. The criminal complaint indicates Cecconie made suicidal statements to police.
Cecconie was taken to the Mount Pleasant Police Department where he agreed to make a statement.
He told police he, Sytsma and Gonzalez were walking around the neighborhood drinking when Sytsma stated that he knew the home on Gala Drive had a kicked in door, and they could get into the home. Cecconie told police they entered the home to socialize, drink and run around.
Eventually, Cecconie told police Gonzalez kicked out a window from the inside -- causing injury to his leg. Then, police arrived and they all ran.
At the time of this alleged crime, Cecconie was out on bond in another criminal case, ordered not to commit any further crimes.
Gonzalez was medically cleared for the injury to his leg and agreed to make a statement. Gonzalez stated the group was drinking in the city of Racine earlier and eventually went to the house on Gala Drive. Gonzalez stated that he was outside the house throwing rocks at the front of the house and eventually Cecconie and Sytsma entered the house and he followed behind them. Gonzalez stated all three were inside the house, but denied breaking any windows. Gonzalez would not indicate which member of the group broke the windows inside the residence. Gonzalez stated he ran through a window that was framed but did not have glass yet.
Police observed damage to the home including damaged windows, glass on the ground outside the home, damage to the front door, and a broken door jam on the door between the home and the garage.