Posted on 12/30/2011 8:14:16 AM PST by SmithL
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Four criminals are off the streets of Clarksville thanks to two Ft. Campbell soldiers who caught the suspects in the act in two separate incidents this week.
The soldiers live just a few miles from one another and caught the thieves just one day apart.
Early on Wednesday, the first solder saw a man opening the door to his SUV outside his home in the 3400 block of Old Timber Road and walked outside to approach him.
"The burglar was startled and started to run, the homeowner chased after him," Clarksville police spokesperson Sgt. Jim Knoll explained. "In the meantime, neighbors heard the noise and called police."
The man held suspect Rafael Quina down until officers arrived at the scene and arrested him.
Less than 24 hours prior, another soldier noticed his security light come on in front of his home on Lamont Drive, looked and saw a strange man sitting in his car.
He grabbed his pistol, chased after the suspect and caught up with three teens identified as 19-year-old Dylan Engle, 18-year-old Matthew Merrill and a 16-year-old male juvenile.
"These military guys really stepped up," Knoll said. "I mean they did a really great service for us. It is so rare that we can have people caught in the act."
He continued, "They're taking care of business overseas and they're back here taking care of business on the home front."
While police are happy to have the alleged thieves off the streets, they warn residents that approaching someone in the act of committing a crime can often be dangerous.
"There's always that inherent danger built into trying to subdue and take someone into custody," Knoll cautioned, adding, "Know who you're confronting."
Police remind residents to never let their guard down and even when at home, keeps windows and doors locked.
Engle and Merrill were booked into the Montgomery County jail on three counts each of vehicle burglary. Their bond was set at $6,000.
Quina was charged with vehicle burglary and booked into jail on a $10,000 bond.
An unidentified male spotted at the scene with Quina remains on the loose.
“While police are happy to have the alleged thieves off the streets, they warn residents that approaching someone in the act of committing a crime can often be dangerous.”
That’s why you shoot first and ask questions later. The perps will be back on the street soon and have about a 65% chance of returning to their life of crime within three years.
“I was in fear for my life.”
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