A suspect in multiple theft cases and two accomplices were captured Monday with the enthusiastic help of several East Valley residents, authorities said. The three, who were arrested while fleeing the scene of a reported burglary, made preliminary appearances Tuesday in Yakima County Superior Court.
A caller to police reported seeing the suspects enter a home in the 5000 block of Bohoskey Drive.
Sheriff's deputies arrived to find a truck loaded down with property leaving the home. A man and a woman from that vehicle were arrested on suspicion of burglary, authorities said. The second man fled on an all-terrain vehicle.
Officers searching the area showed the man's photo to several residents. About 30 minutes later, the residents returned to announce that they had captured the suspect.
They said they had seen him sneaking across their property. They "zip-tied" his hands and held him at gunpoint until arresting officers could arrive.
He remains under investigation in multiple burglaries, authorities said. He was booked into the county jail on suspicion of more than a dozen criminal counts, including failing to register as a sex offender, being a felon in possession of a firearm, eluding police, possessing stolen property and stealing a motor vehicle. His bail was set at $200,000.
The civilian witnesses who helped arrest the man earned a personal thanks from Sheriff Ken Irwin, according to the sheriff's office.
They and the original caller demonstrate the importance of witnesses who are willing to make timely reports of what they observe, but police encourage people to avoid contact with suspects out of concerns that they may be armed or otherwise violent.
