Sheriff's Office captures Kissimmee man who burgled, battered tourist in Reunion

A battering burglar is behind bars after Osceola County Sheriff's Office after he was caught breaking into a vacation home in the Reunion area west of Kissimmee.

Luis Antonio Cruz-Sanchez, 31, was arrested Wednesday and charged with grand theft from a dwelling and burglary with assault or battery. He was booked into the Osceola County Jail, where he is held on $5,000 bond.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the victim in the incident and his his family were staying at the Reunion Resort rental property. On Friday, March 22, he observed a masked individual inside the residence attempting to steal property.  The two engaged physically and the suspect was able to flee the area after battering the victim, who called 911 to report the incident.

Members of the Tourism Policing Unit were assigned to the case and were able to locate Cruz-Sanchez, who they say works as a self-contracting pool maintenance worker, and take him into custody. A search warrant was conducted on residence and vehicle, and stolen property was recovered, including multiple items related to other residential burglaries in the area. Illegal narcotics were also found and seized during the search.

As the investigation continues, the case serves as a reminder to those visiting to be aware of their surroundings and security despite the presence of on-property security.