DeLand man accused of beating homeowner, claimed it was his house

Investigators with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a DeLand man after they say he beat up a homeowner claiming the home was his. 

Deputies responded to the home off South Spring Garden Avenue Saturday night. 

The 69-year-old victim’s daughter-in-law called 911 saying her father-in-law was badly beaten and was barely able to talk.

Dispatcher: "He’s not really responding normally?"
Caller: "No, he’s like incoherent." 

Investigators said Jose Cruz Rios was heavily intoxicated and continued to claim the home as his. The report states the address he thought he was at was about a mile away. Rios’ claims can be heard on the 911 call.

Suspect: "This is my house."
Caller: "No, it’s not your house."
Dispatcher: "Is he thinking that he’s at his own house?"
Caller: "Yeah, I don’t know why he said that he’s at his house"

The victim was taken to the hospital as a trauma alert. Meanwhile, the suspect was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and battery on a person over 65. 

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