Crime & Safety

8-Year-Old Helps Police Catch Break-In Suspect

The child will be honored at an upcoming city council meeting.

An 8-year-old Brookhaven boy has helped put a car break-in suspect behind bars.

The child was looking out the window of his Dresden Drive home Sunday night when he saw someone breaking into his parents’ car. He immediately told his mother, who called police.

The boy gave police a detailed description of the suspect and told officers he saw the suspect flee to a nearby construction site. Officers searched the area and found the man, who was arrested and taken to the DeKalb  jail where he is being held on entering auto, loitering and prowling charges.

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The suspect is a person of interest in some six other car break-ins. A second man was arrested on loitering charges and is also under investigation.

“This suspect would still be on the street without the tip we got from this little boy. He was so articulate, alert and detailed that it helped us find the suspect right away,” Patrol Division Commander Lt. Juan Grullon said in a press release. “These are the type of partnerships that help keep our community safe.”

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The boy will be honored by Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura at an upcoming city council meeting.


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