Houston Couple Finds Suspected Burglar Stuck in Home Chimney

Firefighters had to break down the wall to rescue the man, who claimed he was being chased and tried to hide in the chimney.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged chimney flue, with the texture and material details dramatically lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a home break-in attempt.A recent home break-in attempt exposes the risks and unpredictable nature of burglaries, raising concerns about property damage and home security.Houston Today

A Houston couple discovered a man stuck in their home's chimney after their dog alerted them to strange noises early on Easter morning. Firefighters had to break down the wall to rescue the man, who claimed he was being chased and tried to hide in the chimney. The suspect, 33-year-old Edwin Leonel Salmeron Granados, was arrested and faces a burglary of a habitation charge.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and unpredictable nature of home break-ins, as well as the potential for property damage and the need for effective home security measures. It also raises questions about the suspect's motivations and mental state.

The details

According to the couple, Joni Mitchell woke up around 12:30 a.m. local time on April 5 after their dog began barking due to hearing noises. They discovered the man stuck in their chimney, and firefighters had to break down the wall to remove him. The suspect, Edwin Leonel Salmeron Granados, told a firefighter he 'was being chased and was trying to get away from something.' Granados was arrested at 1:35 a.m. and faces a burglary of a habitation charge.

  • The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time on April 5, 2026.
  • Firefighters arrived and rescued the suspect at approximately 1:35 a.m. on April 5, 2026.
  • Granados' next court date is scheduled for April 10, 2026.

The players

Joni Mitchell

A Houston resident who discovered the suspect stuck in her home's chimney after being alerted by her dog.

Curt Mitchell

Joni Mitchell's husband, who also witnessed the incident and helped alert authorities.

Edwin Leonel Salmeron Granados

A 33-year-old man who was arrested and charged with burglary of a habitation after being found stuck in the Mitchells' chimney.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've never ever heard anything like this before. It was crazy.”

— Joni Mitchell

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

— Curt Mitchell

What’s next

Granados' next court date is scheduled for April 10, 2026, where the judge will determine the next steps in his case.

The takeaway

This unusual incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of home break-ins and the importance of effective home security measures. It also raises questions about the suspect's motivations and mental state, which will likely be further explored as the legal process unfolds.