Alert Neighbor Helps Lake County Deputies Nab Burglary Suspect, Recover Stolen Truck

On July 10, 2026, a call came into Dispatch from an alarm company after multiple alarm activations from a residence, garage, and outbuildings were received. As deputies were responding, a vigilant neighbor also called 911 after interrupting the burglary and watching two suspects flee the property in what turned out to be the homeowner’s vintage Chevrolet pickup truck, loaded with stolen property.

The witness followed the truck for a short distance before the suspects abandoned it and ran across Highway 29. Thanks to the witness’s detailed descriptions, deputies and Major Crimes Detectives quickly began searching the area.

Detectives located one suspect about a quarter-mile from where the stolen truck had been abandoned. During the investigation, deputies recovered several pieces of evidence connecting the suspect to the burglary.

The victims later confirmed the truck had been stolen from their locked shop and that the recovered property belonged to them. Investigators found the residence had been extensively ransacked after the suspects forced entry into both the detached shop and the home. The victims estimated more than $63,000 in stolen property and approximately $5,500 in property damage.

The suspect was arrested and booked into the Hill Road Correctional Facility on charges including burglary, vehicle theft, grand theft, and vandalism.

This case is another reminder of how valuable our community members are in helping keep Lake County safe. The quick thinking, detailed observations, and immediate 911 call from a neighboring resident played a significant role in the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of a substantial amount of the victims’ property.

Investigators continue working to identify the second suspect believed to have been involved in the burglary. This investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at (707)263-2690.