3 held in burglary, chase with gunfire

3/13/2003

LaSALLE, Mich. - Two Toledo brothers and a Maumee man are facing charges in Monroe County after they were allegedly caught breaking into a home here late Tuesday night, repeatedly shot at their victim as he chased them to Toledo, and crashed their car, authorities said.

They were arrested by Toledo police.

The suspects, Robert Rosales, 30, of 1433 Kedron St., his brother, Jason Rosales, 26, of 1108 Albert St., and Freddie Gilmore III, 22, of 1814 Crystal St., Maumee, were being held in the Lucas County jail pending extradition to Monroe County.

Prosecutors yesterday charged the three with one count each of first-degree home invasion, discharge of a firearm from a motor vehicle, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. If convicted on all counts, they face a maximum of 22 years in prison.

The men were ransacking a home in the 1200 block of A Street in LaSalle about 10:15 p.m. when the 31-year-old homeowner returned and saw an unfamiliar car in his driveway, Monroe County Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Enrico Galimberti said.

As the homeowner approached the car, one of the suspects fired at him before they sped off south down South Dixie Highway. The homeowner got into his vehicle and chased them, using his cell phone to contact Monroe County Central Dispatch even as the suspects continued to fire in his direction “five or six times,” Sergeant Galimberti said.

Luna Pier and Erie Township police took over the chase as the suspects entered southbound I-75 from Luna Pier Road. They continued south, leaving the interstate at Alexis Road and traveling west before the suspects' vehicle crashed near Alexis and Benalex Drive. They tried to flee on foot but were arrested by Toledo police, Sergeant Galimberti said.

Authorities searched the car and found several spent shell casings along with a camcorder, cash, three guns, and a game system that had been stolen from the LaSalle home, Sergeant Galimberti said.