On June 12 at about 9:30 p.m., an alert neighbor in the 5300 block of E. Vista Grande in San Tan Valley reported seeing persons jump a neighbor’s fence and kick in their door. The neighbor watched the activity and reported to Pinal County Sheriff’s Office when the persons were leaving the area. They provided our 911 operators with a description of the activity, persons involved, the car and a license plate.
While travelling to the scene of the burglary, an alert deputy spotted the described vehicle northbound on Schnepf Road. The deputy got in behind the car and confirmed it was the same license plate that the neighbor gave our dispatchers. After being joined by other deputies, the car was stopped in the 3300 Block of Combs Road. A juvenile and two adults were detained from the vehicle and deputies noticed inside the car (what turned out to be) stolen property from the residence they were seen breaking in to.
Deputies on the scene of the break-in confirmed that the residents were away on summer vacation and the house had been forcibly entered. A large LCD Television, jewelry and a handgun were stolen from the house. These items were recovered from the suspects’ vehicle and have since been returned to the victim.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said, “We’re fortunate in Pinal County to have strong neighborhood connections and well trained deputies to help keep people and their property safe. This neighbor observed what seemed suspicious and reported what he saw. He gave our deputies the exact information they needed to locate and apprehend these criminals. This is another great example of how neighbors should be watching out for each other and their property.”
The two adult subjects were subsequently booked into the PCSO jail, and a 17-year old suspect was booked into Juvenile Detention, all on Burglary and related charges.