SAN MARCOS — A suspect who allegedly attempted to steal a goat from an elderly San Marcos couple on Monday was confronted and incapacitated by the husband before being arrested by San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the couple was at their home around 3:30 p.m. on Monday when they discovered a man, later identified as Alexander Belinsky, 36, attempting to steal one of their goats. Belinsky also reportedly pushed the husband and wife, ages 79 and 60, to the ground when they confronted him.
The husband returned with a rifle outside, where Belinsky had thrown the goat into the front seat of a dune buggy on the property and was attempting to start it. Upon being confronted by the husband again, Belinsky charged him and attempted to grab the rifle, per the Sheriff’s Department.
During the ensuing struggle, the rifle went off and Belinsky was hit, according to law enforcement. He was detained by deputies who arrived on the scene and later treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Belinsky is facing charges of robbery, elder abuse, attempted vehicle theft, residential burglary, animal cruelty and battery, the department stated.
The husband sustained cuts on his hands, and the wife was not injured.
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