Residents tackle Pine Hills burglary suspect running from deputies

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Two alert Orange County residents are being credited with helping a deputy catch a man who authorities said was breaking into a home Monday afternoon.

The men spotted a deputy chasing Jermaine Kendrick on High Grove Way near Pine Hills around 1:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said.

"All I heard was, 'Help get that guy!'" said one of the men who intervened, but didn't want to be identified.

According to investigators, Kendrick had just broken into a nearby home and set off the security alarm, sending deputies to the house.

"He jumped a bunch of fences and so did the deputy, which is why he's asking us to help. Probably really winded, ya know?" the man said.

Deputies said the witnesses joined the foot chase and were able to quickly tackle Kendrick to the ground.

"I kind of just jumped on top of him and held him and kind of wrapped him up like I see on 'Cops,'" the man said.

The 40-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail. He has a lengthy criminal history that includes arrests for burglary and grand theft.

The residents said they're glad they were able to work together and put the alleged burglar behind bars.

"Definitely don't come in our neighborhood cause we all look out for each other," the man said.

Deputies said the homeowner's stolen items were returned.

WFTV