21-year-old Vania Herrera Valdes arrested for attempted home invasion in Novi

In a recent incident in the United States, a 21-year-old Chilean national named Vania Herrera Valdes was arrested for her involvement in an attempted home invasion. The event unfolded on December 2, 2024, when a homeowner in Novi, Michigan, noticed suspicious activity through surveillance cameras and promptly called 911. The police responded quickly, patrolling the area and noticing a white van with out-of-state plates leaving the scene. This van was subsequently pursued by the officers, leading to a short chase that culminated in the suspects fleeing the vehicle. Authorities confirmed that Valdes was among the four suspects who abandoned the van. Despite initially providing police with a false identity, investigators were able to identify her with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Valdes faces serious charges including second-degree home invasion and resisting and obstructing police. She was arraigned and held on a $100,000 bond, currently remaining in custody at the Oakland County Jail. Law enforcement is still actively searching for her three accomplices who managed to escape the scene. The Novi police have indicated that this incident may be connected to a larger pattern of home invasions targeting upscale homes in Oakland County, Michigan. Previous incidents had been reported in the area between October 31 and November 15, with police investigating four separate break-ins. These home invasions reportedly targeted locations situated near wooded areas, a factor that might have allowed them to be more easily approached without being seen by neighbors or passersby. The police suspect that these crimes could be linked to South American transnational gangs known for carrying out similar offenses across the United States. This connection highlights a troubling trend where organized crime is affecting local communities, compelling law enforcement agencies, at various levels, to collaborate in investigations. Novi Police Chief Erick Zinser emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement in combatting such criminal elements. He encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods, which could assist in preventing future crimes.