Ski Mask, Duct Tape, Sledgehammer: The Terrifying Midnight Plan That Police Foiled Just in Time

It was a warm Florida night—around 76 degrees—when a man in a ski mask and multiple layers of clothing caught the attention of a sheriff’s deputy near a quiet Deltona neighborhood. What seemed strange at first turned downright terrifying after police discovered why he was there and what he was carrying.

The man, later identified as 20-year-old Jalen Vallejos, told the officer he was just out walking because it was “kind of cold.” But police weren’t buying it—and they were right not to.

A Strange Outfit That Raised Red Flags

When the deputy approached Vallejos, something felt off. He was overdressed for the weather, wearing a ski mask and several layers of clothes. On top of that, the officer noticed he had plant matter and brush all over his clothing, suggesting he had just crawled through nearby woods.

And he wasn’t just taking a walk—he was near his ex-girlfriend’s house, right around midnight.

He’d Been Stalking Her for Months

During questioning, Vallejos shockingly admitted that he had been watching his ex-girlfriend while she slept—for about six months. This wasn’t a one-time thing. It was a carefully planned and ongoing obsession.

And that night, he had a disturbing plan.

Inside his car, police found a backpack filled with duct tape, wire cutters, spray paint, and a sledgehammer. Vallejos later confessed that he planned to break into the home, confront both his ex-girlfriend and her father, and “defend himself” with the sledgehammer if needed.

A Deadly Plan, Stopped Just in Time

Vallejos had clearly thought this out. He even admitted to vandalizing the home in the past, further proving that his actions were no accident. Both the ex-girlfriend and her father told police they were terrified and feared what could have happened if Vallejos hadn’t been caught.

Thanks to the alertness of the deputy that night, what could have ended in serious harm—or worse—was prevented.

Charges and Current Status

Vallejos is now facing multiple felony charges, including:

• Aggravated stalking

• Attempted armed burglary

• Possession of burglary tools

• Loitering or prowling

• Criminal mischief

He is being held without bond at Volusia County Jail. Sheriff Mike Chitwood later commented that the contents of Vallejos’s backpack looked like tools for something much more dangerous than a casual visit.

Final Thoughts

This scary and deeply disturbing case is a strong reminder of why we need to take stalking and obsession seriously. It also shows how a simple, alert police patrol can save lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or harassment, don’t ignore the signs. Speak up and get help before it’s too late.