Tenant finds burglar in apartment

A man was arrested Monday night for an alleged West Lafayette apartment burglary after the tenant called police to report a burglary in progress, a West Lafayette Police Department release reads.

The victim said he came home to the 100-block of Littleton St. after 10 p.m. to find a man in his fifties inside his apartment taking items. The suspect, Steven R. Watkins, tried to leave, and a scuffle ensued.

Watkins, 53, allegedly battered the victim and fled on foot, after which the victim provided police with Watkins' description and direction of travel. The victim reportedly followed Watkins, and a WLPD officer found Watkins and detained him.

Police charged Watkins with burglary, robbery, residential entry, theft, battery, trespassing and criminal mischief.

The property stolen was reportedly returned. As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Watkins remained in the Tippecanoe County jail on $1,000 bond.