A burglar was caught in the act through the collaborative efforts of citizens, Patrol officers from two shifts, K-9, Aviation, and detectives.

On May 29, 2018, at around 6 a.m., CCPD patrol officers from both the night shift and the oncoming day shift responded to a burglary in progress at the 2100 block of NE 2nd Avenue. The victim told dispatch that she went outside and saw a thin white male standing by her husband’s truck with the door open and that he immediately fled on foot. The male did not have a shirt, had tattoos on his arms and had a red backpack and drill in his hands. Officers set up a perimeter and a K-9 officer and his K-9 started a track. Aviation also responded to assist.

After an extensive search, a man matching the description, Matthew Ames (DOB: 8-13-96) was located in the area and was also positively identified by one of the victims. Stolen items were found at a construction site that Ames was seen exiting on a neighbor’s surveillance video. Detectives with the CCPD Property Unit assumed the investigation and will be following up on the other area burglaries for possible additional charges. Ames was arrested for vehicle burglary and petit theft, and he was transported to the Lee County Jail. 

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