Two teenagers were arrested Monday morning on suspicion of burglary after authorities say they were influenced by a rap song.
Jason Ramon Ochoa, 19, and Alejandra Villanueva, 18, were arrested by detectives Paul Johnson and Brian Rodriguez of the Merced Police Department on suspicion of the burglary of thousands of dollars worth of property.
The burglary happened Friday when the victim left his house about 7:45 a.m. in the 3500 block of Santa Maria Avenue, said Merced police Sgt. Scott Skinner.
The burglars forced open the back window of the house, opened the garage door, parked their vehicle inside the garage and loaded it with the victim's property, Skinner said. The victim didn't get back home until about 9:45 a.m.
The stolen property included computer equipment, musical equipment and a TV valued about $5,500, Skinner said.
After following a lead, the detectives approached Ochoa and Villanueva, who admitted to the burglary, Skinner said. They helped the detectives get most of the property back, he said.
As he was being questioned, Ochoa said he had been influenced by a rap song containing lyrics about burglarizing houses from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when nobody's home, Skinner said.
Ochoa and Villanueva have not been contacted by police in the past and this is the first time they've been arrested, Skinner said, adding that neither of them is a gang member.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Johnson at (209) 385-7742 or the Merced Police Department tipline at (209) 385-4725. Callers can remain anonymous.
Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsunstar.com.
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