Augusta County: Homeowner confronts thief with handgun, chases and detains him in field

A Staunton man is in custody after he allegedly broke into an Augusta County home and was chased down by the homeowner.

Gianni Rocco Colavita, 19, is facing multiple misdemeanor and felony charges after his attempted robbery was foiled when a Churchville homeowner returned home to find him inside their residence.

According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night. The ACSO responded to a 911 call reporting an active residential breaking-and-entering incident on Farm View Lane.

The homeowner returned home, according to police, retrieved a handgun and confronted the suspect in a bedroom.

In an attempt to flee, the suspect reportedly jumped through a screen door and tried to steal the homeowner’s vehicle parked outside. The suspect was unsuccessful and fled the property on foot.

The homeowner pursued the suspect and was able to detain him in an adjacent field until deputies arrived on scene and took the male into custody without further incident.

Colavita was charged with:

• 18.2-89 Burglary at night to commit a felony (felony)
• 18.2-94 Possession of burglarious tools (felony)
• 18.2-137 Destruction of property (misdemeanor)
• 18.2-96 Petit larceny (misdemeanor)
• 18.2-147 Climb into vehicle with intent to commit a crime
• 18.2-250 Possession of Scheduled I or II drugs

According to an online court search, Colavita has faced previous charges including reckless driving, drug possession, driving without a license, as well as protective order and probation violations.

Colavita was transported to Middle River Regional Jail and is currently held without bond.