Suspected Burglar Rescued from Couple's Chimney in Houston

Firefighters had to cut the man out after he became stuck while allegedly trying to break into the home.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:43am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged chimney cap or other crime-related object, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into a home break-in attempt.A recent wave of targeted home break-ins exposes the risks and dangers associated with burglary attempts, as well as the resourcefulness of some suspected criminals.Houston Today

A husband and wife in Houston called 911 in the early hours of Easter morning after they heard noises coming from their fireplace and discovered a man stuck in their chimney. Firefighters had to knock down the wall, brick by brick, to extract the 33-year-old suspect, who was identified as Edwin Leonel Salmeron Granados. The couple believes Granados climbed a fence, got onto the roof, and removed the chimney cap before attempting to climb down and becoming trapped.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and dangers associated with home break-ins, as well as the resourcefulness and determination of some suspected burglars. It also raises questions about the suspect's motivations and mental state, as he reportedly told firefighters he was being chased and trying to get away from something.

The details

According to the Mitchells, their dog started barking around 12:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, prompting Joni Mitchell to investigate. She heard noises coming from the fireplace and woke up her husband, Curt, who opened the flue and found the suspect speaking Spanish and 'freaking out.' The couple called 911, and Houston firefighters arrived to carefully extract the man, who was stuck in a space no bigger than 2 square feet. Granados was stuck for roughly two hours before being pulled out. The Mitchells now have to deal with repairing the damage to their wall, which the firefighters had to knock down to free the suspect.

  • Around 12:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, the Mitchells' dog started barking, prompting them to investigate.
  • The suspect, Edwin Leonel Salmeron Granados, was stuck in the chimney for roughly two hours before being extracted by firefighters.

The players

Joni and Curt Mitchell

A Houston-area couple who discovered a man stuck in their chimney in the early hours of Easter morning.

Edwin Leonel Salmeron Granados

A 33-year-old man who is suspected of attempting to burglarize the Mitchells' home and became trapped in their chimney.

Houston Firefighters

The emergency responders who were called to the scene and had to carefully extract the suspect from the chimney.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, 'What's going on, Ellie?' And I did hear some noises. All of a sudden, I started hearing [groaning], and it was coming out of the fireplace.”

— Joni Mitchell, Homeowner

“Maybe a raccoon or something got in. I come down and open the flue inside the fireplace… and this guy was speaking Spanish, and he was freaking out.”

— Curt Mitchell, Homeowner

“When they broke it in, the front fell off, and there was his face and his shoulders.”

— Curt Mitchell, Homeowner

“One of the firemen spoke Spanish, and he told him he was being chased and was trying to get away from something. So, I don't know.”

— Curt Mitchell, Homeowner

What’s next

The Harris County District Attorney's Office said Granados will be charged with burglary of a habitation. Houston Police have not yet provided details on when he will be taken into custody or when he will appear before a judge.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and dangers associated with home break-ins, as well as the resourcefulness and determination of some suspected burglars. It also raises questions about the suspect's motivations and mental state, and highlights the importance of homeowner safety and the role of law enforcement in addressing such incidents.