We’ve covered lots of stories about people being arrested again while on parole, but Gilberto “Big O” Valenzuela may have set a new speed record.
The 36-year-old, who had been convicted of auto theft three times, was freed from Lincoln Correctional Center on Friday. According to a Chicago police report, he was back in custody on Saturday morning after being apprehended in Albany Park for house burglary while still carrying his newly granted parole documents.
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Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, CPD responded to a burglary in progress complaint in the 4100 block of North Kimball Avenue. Officers discovered smashed glass, blood around the front door handle, and a huge metal pipe on the porch, according to a detention petition. According to the filing, one of the home’s residents stepped downstairs to let the police in and discovered Valenzuela hiding in a dark nook at the bottom of the staircase.
“There is someone here!” He’s lying on the floor by the door!” She yelled.
An officer came with his rifle drawn and told Valenzuela to raise his hands. He complied.
Valensuela allegedly told police that his fiancée encouraged him to break in and that he attempted to smash the window with his foot before switching to a nearby pipe. His left hand bled.
He also allegedly told officers that “Gangbangers were shooting at me, that’s why I went in,” and “They told me to go in there.” None of the residents, who are all related, had ever seen him before, police said.
When investigators searched Valenzuela, they discovered his parole discharge paperwork, which included a notice reminding him that “you shall not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction during the parole or release term.”
Judge Shauna Boliker approved the state’s request to hold him. Corrections officials are also examining his parole status in light of the latest claims.
