[UPDATED] BURGLAR KILLED

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a suspected burglar in San Juan, after he allegedly broke into a house and was confronted by the homeowner on Tuesday.

Investigators said the burglar, identified as Ricardo Sam, broke into the man's dilapidated Santa Cruz Old Road, house at around 6.05 am but was caught in the act.

Sam was reportedly beaten and subdued after other residents intervened.

An ambulance was called and Sam was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where he died. The homeowner is assisting police with their investigation.

Newsday visited the village on Tuesday and spoke with neighbours who said the homeowner worked as a grave digger at the San Juan cemetery and was robbed several times over the past few years, including once at gunpoint last Christmas.

Residents said he usually kept to himself and said while they remembered seeing police cars in his yard earlier, they did not know about the beating until told by reporters.

Police said Sam did not have a fixed address, but was known in the area.

Newsday spoke with ASP Roger Alexander of the Northeastern Division. He said while the action taken by residents to subdue the man and assist their neighbour was commendable, it was important for citizens not to use excessive force when confronting potential criminals, as they themselves may be arrested and charged for murder or manslaughter.

"If he was not resisting, then it would have been excessive force. Sometimes you need to use force with force. When a man enters your house without your knowledge or permission, you don't know if he may be armed.

"In this situation I might want to commend the villagers for assisting, but they must not use too much force. If the man was already in a situation where he was detained, there is no reason to hit him, lash him or throw any stones at him because he was already detained. However, if he continues to fight or struggle to try and escape, well then you must use force to subdue him."

Alexander said different situations require different responses depending on whether the suspected burglar or bandit was restrained, but urged public to use caution when confronting criminals.

Last May 49-year-old Ashdale McHutchinson was beaten to death by Oropune residents who suspected him of attempting to kidnap a six-year-old girl. It was later confirmed by residents themselves that they were not clear about McHutchinson's intentions. He died at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

This story was originally published with the title "Villagers beat suspected burglar to death" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

A suspected burglar is dead after angry villagers confronted him in San Juan earlier this morning.

Police said Ricardo Sam broke into a house along the Santa Cruz Old Road, at around 6.05 am when he was caught by villagers who beat him severely.

Police, in response to an emergency call, took Sam to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where he died from his injuries.

One man was detained in relation to Sam's death.