What to Know
- The teen suspects were searching the 9900 block of SW 157th Street in Miami for unlocked cars to burglarize.
- After the homeowner chased the suspects and called police, officers were able to take one suspect into custody.
When Anthony Denito saw two suspects running away after burglarizing cars in a South Florida neighborhood, the homeowner didn’t hesitate to act.
The two teenagers were caught on Denito’s security cameras searching for unlocked vehicles to steal from, he said. Video footage captured both suspects on April 20 riding a bike in the 9900 block of SW 157th Street in Miami, then returning to the scene around noon to hunt for unlocked cars.
One teen is caught on camera trying to open a neighbor’s car door. After an unsuccessful attempt, the other suspect walks into Denito's driveway, checking the doors of a black Cadillac. In broad daylight, the suspect finds the passenger side unlocked and leans inside. The suspect then opens the trunk of the car and snatches a few items.
Denito said he only saw both suspects on camera as they were leaving the scene. Suspecting the teens were up to something, Denito went outside and asked them what was going on.
One teen said: "We didn't steal anything," and went running, according to Denito.
At that point, Denito said he hopped into his car to chase after both suspects. He called police and caught up with one of the suspects just a few blocks away. By that time, police had arrived, and Denito and the officers were able to block the suspect in with their cars. The suspect was then taken into custody.
Denito said the other suspect jumped a fence during the chase and got away. Police are actively searching for that second suspect.
Detectives say the teenagers also attempted to break into the police car parked across the street. They are asking anyone with information about the incident to call 305-471-TIPS (8477).
