This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Drunk Guy Stuck in Chimney Calls 911 For Rescue, Is Arrested

When you drink a bit too much, naturally you want to go up to the roof and jump from building to building, right? According to one man whose rooftop adventures landed him in a tight spot—literally—that's "what people do." Or in this not-quite-Santa Claus' case, what he did was get stuck in a chimney and called 911 to get himself out...and arrested.Here's what went down: Cuauhtli Castillo Lujano, 27, ended up stuck in the chimney of the Sylmar Recreation Center at around midnight last night, according to the Los Angeles Police Department's Mission Division.
Authorities knew the man was there because he had called 911 to report his own predicament. The Los Angeles Fire Department showed up to the scene to help extract Lujano from the facility's chimney.
It was a bit of a "game" trying to get Lujano out, however, reports NBC Los Angeles, who likened the episode to a round of "hot and cold":
"The firefighters had to go around sounding their horns and sirens, and the individual would say 'close' or 'far' until they were able to locate him," said Capt. Ron Klamecki, of Urban Search and Rescue Team No. 88.
Eventually they got him out, and promptly put Lujano under arrest for trespassing. Officers could smell a heavy odor of alcohol on the man’s breath, notes the LAPD.
"As far as we know there was no break-in,'' said Sgt. Karen Spencer of the LAPD, notes City News Service. "There was no burglary. He just happened to be trespassing on the property."
The temptation to liken Lujano's drunken rooftop exploits to Christmastime proved irresistible to Lt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the detectives at the Mission Police Station. "This guy could take some lessons from Santa Claus," said Vernon of Lujano. "Namely, abstain from drink before climbing down chimneys and keep better track of the calendar; there’s still 225 days until Christmas."
Ho, ho, ho!
-
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites.
-
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
-
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Edward Bronstein died in March 2020 while officers were forcibly taking a blood sample after his detention.
-
A hike can be a beautiful backdrop as you build your connection with someone.