A man in Washington County has been sentenced to decades in prison after pleading guilty in a disturbing home invasion and attempted rape case that was stopped in part by a smart device.
Guilty Plea and Sentence
Mario Guereca-Vazquez pleaded guilty to:
- Attempted rape
- Aggravated residential burglary
Prosecutors confirmed he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with additional time possible for future offenses. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and is expected to be deported to Mexico after serving his sentence.
Victim Used Alexa to Call 911
The attack occurred on December 31, 2024, in Springdale.
According to investigators:
- The victim used an Amazon Alexa device to call 911 during the attack
- She reported a masked, naked intruder inside her home
- The suspect allegedly entered her bed and attempted to assault her shortly after her husband left
Authorities said the quick thinking of the victim played a crucial role in stopping the crime and ensuring a rapid police response.
Suspect Had Been Watching Victim
During the investigation, police uncovered alarming details:
- Guereca-Vazquez admitted he had a “crush” on the victim and had been watching her for about a month
- He had allegedly entered the home previously and stolen personal items
- His phone contained photos and videos of the victim taken without her knowledge
Technology Helped Solve the Case
Officials highlighted how technology contributed to the arrest:
- The Alexa emergency call alerted authorities in real time
- A Ring doorbell camera helped identify the suspect
Prosecutors praised the victim’s actions, calling her a “hero” whose response helped prevent further harm and ensured the suspect was caught.