Scottsdale, AZ - Thieves Nabbed Breaking Into Detective's Car with Burglary Tools
Thieves nabbed breaking into detective's
car
Carol Sowers
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 13, 2007 07:04 AM
Two burglars picked the wrong time and the wrong place to try to break into a
car and make off with some loot.
Their first mistake was trying to break into a car in the parking lot of the
Chaparral Christian Community Church, 6451 E. Shea Boulevard at about 4 a.m.
Sunday. How would they know Scottsdale police would already be there, part of a
plan to stop a recent rash of thefts from church parking lots, and other places
that draw large crowds?
The burglars' luck got worse.
As detectives watched, the suspected burglars pulled up in a sport utility
vehicle, walked over to one of the detective's vehicles, and tried to break in,
said Sgt. Mark Clark, Scottsdale police spokesman.
Joshua Wagner, 22, and Jeremy Smith, 28, were surrounded in seconds. The men
had burglary tools and an illegal sawed-off shotgun, Clark said.
When detectives searched their SUV, they found two other suspects, Nicole Hayes,
22, and Morgana Lacy, 19, drug paraphernalia and other stolen property, Clark
said. The women were booked on drug charges, he said.
Smith and Wagner were booked on suspicion of a variety of burglary charges, and
possession of a prohibited weapon, Clark said.
Scottsdale police last month warned the public to lock their cars, leave
valuables such as iPods at home and take cellphones, purses and wallets with
them when they park their cars.
Scottsdale police say burglars watch drivers as they leave their cars, then look
inside for phones or other valuables.
If they see them, they try the door. If is locked, they smash windows.