Quick-Thinking Neighbor Helps Foil Armed Home Invasion in Cristo Rey

Tonight, a sixty-six-year-old woman is counting herself lucky after a frightening home invasion in Cristo Rey Village. Police say two armed men forced her into her home just as she stepped out of her vehicle, then began ransacking the property. But the situation could have been far worse, thanks to a quick-thinking neighbor who called police as the crime unfolded. Officers moved in fast, chasing down one suspect and recovering a firearm, ammunition, and stolen jewelry. Investigators say the incident is a powerful reminder of how vital it is for residents to report anything suspicious.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“San Ignacio Police were advised that an aggravated burglary was in process at a residence on the outskirts of Cristo Rey Village. The officers responded immediately and upon their arrival they observed two male persons fleeing from the residence and a pursuit ensued, which resulted in the apprehension of one of the male persons and the recovery of a point-twenty-two pistol along with live rounds of ammunition as well as an item of jewelry belonging to the homeowner. What we have learned so far in the course of this investigation is that the homeowner, being a sixty-six-year-old female, stated that she had just came from outside, left from inside of her vehicle when she was accosted by two male persons who forced her into her house at gunpoint and they proceeded to ransack the residence, packaging a number of items. However, when they heard a vehicle approaching, presumably the police’s mobile, they fled, making off with solely the jewelry because they were not able to take the other items that they had packaged.”

 

ASP Stacy Smith says the swift police response highlights the value of neighborhood watch groups and investing in surveillance cameras.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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