Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division arrested a burglary suspect on Monday who entered a victim’s residence and fled after being confronted by the homeowner.

The suspect, who police described as a transient in his 30s, allegedly entered a residence near Willoughby Avenue and Poinsettia Place at approximately 8 a.m. The homeowner had left the door unlocked, and heard someone inside the residence. When the suspect was confronted, he told the homeowner he needed help, and fled on foot, according to Det. L. Lavender, with the Wilshire Division Burglary Unit.

The resident watched the suspect as he walked across the street to another house in the area and attempted to open a door. The victim called police, who arrested the suspect a short time later.

Lavender said the suspect complained that he is diabetic, and was taken by paramedics to a hospital and treated. The suspect was later booked for burglary.  The case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether formal charges are filed.

The detective said it is uncertain whether the suspect is involved in any additional burglaries in the area. He said the incident illustrates the need to keep doors and windows locked, and added that he believes the suspect was attempting to commit burglaries, as opposed to legitimately needing help.

“If you are really looking for help, you might knock, but you wouldn’t be going into people’s houses,” Lavender said. “The [method of operation] is consistent with burglaries we’ve had. I don’t think that is why he went into that house.”

Anyone with information about the incident, or who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact Lavender at (213)922-8252.