Police: Alert resident helps catch group of Palm Bay burglars

PALM BAY, Fla. — Homeowners on one Brevard County street have a neighbor to thank for helping catch a group of burglary suspects Thursday.

Palm Bay police told Channel 9's Melonie Holt that the group was going door to door, hunting for the perfect target, until a neighbor saw them breaking in and called police.

That neighbor said the suspects kept looking over their shoulders apparently concerned that someone might be watching. Apparently, someone was.

Police said four young men were rounded up near the corner of Emerson Drive and Stadt Road after they were spotted breaking into a home.

"I kept my eyes on them. And effectively, they run next to my house, through the bushes and jumped the fence, the neighbor's fence, and proceed to break in the back there," said an eyewitness.

The witness, who did not want to be identified, said when he saw the suspects jump the fence he called police.

"Probably within 15-20 minutes, patrol officer noticed three of them running from the yard and were able to detain three out of four," said Lt. Mario Augello of the Palm Bay Police Department.

A short time later the fourth suspect was in custody.

Police confirmed that all of suspects have previous arrests, including Deonte Jones, who was arrested last week after another Palm Bay burglary call and pursuit. That pursuit ended with a crash into a Melbourne home.

Police said all four suspects are juveniles.

Palm Bay's police chief told Holt that something needs to happen in the city so there is consequence for crimes.

He said the suspects are costing taxpayers money in both manpower and resources.

WFTV