Pa. Police Officers Interrupt Home Burglary; Nab Getaway Driver
Pennsylvania police interrupted a residential burglary over the weekend and caught the getaway driver following a short chase.
Lower Merion police officers responded to a call from a homeowner whose security camera system captured several men entering his house through a back window, WPVI-TV reports. While officers responded to the scene, the homeowner kept police informed on the location of the suspects.
During the call, officers were able to take a getaway driver into custody after a short pursuit. A drone was deployed to search for the other suspects, and officers on foot scoured the area, too, but police believe another group picked up and drove off with the suspects.
The individual in custody, a Chilean national with a fake ID from Venezuela, has been cooperating with investigators, according to police.
"He confirmed with us there are multiple groups out there," Lt. James Baitinger told WPVI. "As soon as some get apprehended, new guys come in.
The suspects are thought to belong to a group of South American burglars that has been hitting high-end homes locally and nationally. The group also has gone after homes in nearby Ohio and Michigan.
"They're professionals in their jobs," said Batinger. "They utilize search engines to get layouts of houses."
Extra patrols have been added by police, who have been telling residents to stay vigilant.