Charges Filed Against Pepper-Sprayed Burglar

A Los Angeles Police Department sergeant suspected of robbing a Mentone home in Ocotober was charged Monday with the crime.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's office filed the complaint againt Lucien A. Daigle, 44, of Highland. He has been charged with one count of first degree burglary, with the added stipulation that the person was present.

According to police, Daigle was interrupted by the home's resident Oct. 23 while he was taking things from the house. The resident reacted to the burglar by spraying him with ibear repellant, an industrial strength level of pepper spray.

After being sprayed, the suspect ran from the scene and drove away. A short time after receiving a call about the burglary, deputies received a call of a crash nearby. When they arrived, they detected a strong odor of pepper spray. The driver in the crash was identified as Daigle, and he was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center with minor injuries.

During a search of Daigle's vehicle, officers found several items from the home in his car. They arrested Daigle at the hospital.

Daigle, who is free on $125,000 bail, will be arraigned Dec. 27.