Police Arrest Suspect Charged With Resisting Arrest After Hiding In Crawl Space Of A Residence

FLORENCE-On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Florence Police Officers responded to the 1500 block of Houston Street for an in-progress domestic violence call. As Officers arrived, the suspect, identified as Robert Vanegas, fled and hid beneath a nearby house.

Officers located Robert hiding inside a crawl space, but he refused to come out and tried to conceal himself further. Sergeant

Garrison and his K9 partner, Aero, arrived on the scene. After several more unsuccessful attempts to get the male to come out, Sgt Garrison and K9 Aero, and Officer Potts entered the crawl space.

Because of the hanging insulation, exposed wires and limited space, the use of a taser was ineffective, and Robert moved even deeper into the crawl space. After continuing to ignore commands to surrender, K9 Aero was deployed and bit the suspect. Robert sustained a minor injury to his leg. EMS later treated him on scene, and no other medical attention was needed. Robert then surrendered and was safely removed from the crawl space by Officers.

Robert Vanegas was arrested for two active warrants and Resisting Arrest. He was taken to the Lauderdale County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $2,500 bond.

Robert Vanegas is innocent until proven guilty.

Media Release/Lieutenant Josh Hein/Florence Police Department