Busted at the scene

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 12, 2007

THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

One man said enough is enough Wednesday morning and decided he’d make a difference.

His action resulted in the apprehension of three burglary suspects, including two adults and one juvenile, being caught in the act.

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He was off from work, but thought he would spend the day at his mother’s mobile home at 15 Commodore Ave. There had been break-ins in the area lately, he said.

It was a good thing he decided to hang on there Wednesday morning. Just before 11 a.m. he said his dog was &8220;acting strange.&8221;

When the subjects started toward his neighbor’s door and attempted to gain entry using a screwdriver, the man called police. Dispatchers stayed on the line with him until officers were on the scene.

Officers surrounded the trailer, which had the front door wide open. Shortly after surrounding the trailer officers could hear the men, running inside attempting to find a hiding place. Lt. Michael Harris, weapon drawn, approached the door alerting those inside to come out.

After several minutes and backup arrived, officers in protective vests entered the front door behind Det. Tory Neely, who led the SPD Special Response Team.

Officer Chris Harris was behind Neely, followed by Det. Frederick Walker, Det. Jeff Hardy and Officer Kendall Thomas.

Lt. Michael Harris, Sgt. Scott Swanson, and officers Natasha Rozelle, Jonathan Cole and Kenta Fulford &8220;secured the perimeter.&8221;

Within three minutes officers emerged with the three handcuffed suspects. Police said two were hiding in a closet and the other was on the floor, pretending to have a gun.

Curtis Craig, 20, of 1414 Center St., and Tashawn Richardson, 19, of 1320 Center St., along with a 17-year-old juvenile, have been charged with burglary and jailed on $25,000 bond. The juvenile was transported to the Hale County Juvenile Detention Center, police said.

The owner of the home returned from work to find her residence surrounded by police cars and several onlookers, who saw the excitement and stopped to get a closer look.

All that was taken was &8220;some quarters.&8221; Police did not say if the three arrested were the same suspected in the Friday break-in.

The Selma Police Department who, like other departments, is having difficulties recruiting and retaining officers, expressed thanks to &8220;the man who got involved.&8221;