Surprise police arrest 9 suspects living in vacant home, stealing utilities

SURPRISE, AZ - Surprise Police arrested nine people Wednesday after discovering they were illegally staying in a vacant home and stealing utilities from neighbors.

PHOTOS: See mugs of nine suspects arrested

Police spokesman Brent Anzini said officers were patrolling the area near Cottonwood Street and Esther Drive when a resident approached the officers and asked for help resolving a civil dispute. 

While inside the resident's home, police discovered that the electricity, water, and gas utilities were being illegally diverted from a neighboring home.

Police also discovered that the people living in the neighboring home were there illegally and had been staying in the residence since it had been empty.

Anzini said a total of nine people were living in the home without the knowledge or permission of the homeowner. Police also found drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the home.

Nicholas Dylewsky, age 45, was arrested and booked into jail on charges of burglary, theft of services, and criminal damage. 

Nicole Ortiz, age 20, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing. 

Rosendo Escobedo, age 34, John Pedicord, age 24, Christy Suffal, age 33, Joseph Hernandez, age 23, Vanessa Gonzales, age 20, Joe Tovar, age 39, and Lewis Escobedo, age 55 were also arrested for trespassing.