Rehoboth man arrested after squatting in motel

Delaware State Police arrested a Rehoboth Beach man on burglary and related charges following an incident June 17.

About 7 p.m., troopers responded to The Shore Inn, 37239 Rehoboth Ave. Ext., Rehoboth Beach, for a reported disorderly subject and possible assault. Through the investigation, troopers determined the business owner of The Shore Inn had been away for an extended period of time. When he returned, he discovered Miguel Guiterrez, 36, had stolen a key to a motel room and was now living there.

When the owner confronted Guiterrez, he discovered Guiterrez appeared to be highly intoxicated. As the owner entered the main lobby of the motel to call the police, he heard a thud outside and found there was significant damage to the windshield of his vehicle, which Guiterrez caused. Guiterrez ran into his motel room after he damaged the car.

Shortly after, Gutierrez exited the motel room and ran around the building where he engaged in an altercation with patrons at the Stop N Go Taco next door. After Guiterrez exited the motel room, the owner entered the room and discovered Guiterrez had removed the bathroom window and frame out of the wall. Guiterrez was located on scene when troopers arrived, and he was taken into custody without incident.

He was transported to Troop 7 and charged with felony second-degree burglary, theft under $1,500, offensive touching and criminal mischief. 

Guiterrez’s arraignment and bond are pending.