Pa. Police Officers Interrupt Home Burglary; Nab Getaway Driver

Dec. 12, 2023
A homeowner called Lower Merion police after a security camera caught several men, who authorities believe are part of a group of South American burglars, breaking in through a back window.

Pennsylvania police interrupted a residential burglary over the weekend and caught the getaway driver following a short chase.

Lower Merion police officers responded to a call from a homeowner whose security camera system captured several men entering his house through a back window, WPVI-TV reports. While officers responded to the scene, the homeowner kept police informed on the location of the suspects.

During the call, officers were able to take a getaway driver into custody after a short pursuit. A drone was deployed to search for the other suspects, and officers on foot scoured the area, too, but police believe another group picked up and drove off with the suspects.

The individual in custody, a Chilean national with a fake ID from Venezuela, has been cooperating with investigators, according to police.

"He confirmed with us there are multiple groups out there," Lt. James Baitinger told WPVI. "As soon as some get apprehended, new guys come in.

The suspects are thought to belong to a group of South American burglars that has been hitting high-end homes locally and nationally. The group also has gone after homes in nearby Ohio and Michigan.

"They're professionals in their jobs," said Batinger. "They utilize search engines to get layouts of houses."

Extra patrols have been added by police, who have been telling residents to stay vigilant.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.

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