Alleged Burglar Climbs on the Roof of a Local Business, Gets Stuck

“I’m dying. I need help,” said a man’s voice, coming from the roof of a local convenience store on the morning of Sept. 22 in DeLand, Florida, which is an hour north of Orlando.

A shirtless man named Michael Monacelli, who was dressed in only pants and socks with no shoes, was stuck on the roof of locked local business Woodland Food Market when police arrived.

A shirtless alleged burglar was stuck on a roof in DeLand, Florida on Sept. 22, 2018. Screenshot/Volusia County Sheriff

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office released video footage of the incident on Sept. 24.

Monacelli, 31, claimed that he had been thirsty and was just looking for water. He tried to get into the business, but was unsuccessful. He then climbed up a tree and ended up on the roof.

According to the arrest report, Monacelli said he crawled into a hole on the roof for shelter. Later, he was unable to get down and started calling out for help. A local business owner heard his cries at about 8:00 a.m.

A shirtless alleged burglar was stuck on a roof in DeLand, Florida on Sept. 22, 2018. Screenshot/Volusia County Sheriff

“I didn’t even try to do it. It just happened, man,” he said to the deputies before getting into the police car.

The Volusia County Professional Firefighters Association brought a ladder so that deputies can climbed up to save Monacelli, who is now charged with attempted burglary and property damage.

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