9OYS Crime Watch
Deputies make quick arrest after car break-ins plague apartment complex
Reporter: Maggie Vespa
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - It may be the new trend among Tucson low-lifes: car break-ins.
Last week, 9OYS told you about a serial streak near Tumamoc Hill.
Tonight, it's the same story in a new neighborhood. Only this time, within hours, deputies had their hoodlum behind bars.
23 year-old Daniel Hannaman never leaves his SUV unlocked.
"(How did they get in? Did they jimmy the locks?) No idea," he said Actually the drivers side and the passenger side were both half opened, half closed.">
When he awoke this morning in the Crescent Ridge apartment complex, just north of Tucson, to find the car cleaned out, shock set in.
"Everything in my glove compartment, and my center console were all thrown out in front of my seats, and my 9 millimeter pistol and ipad were stolen," he said.
Turns out, this break-in was just one in a burglary block party.
"Overall, we have 12 vehicles that were affected and one apartment," said Pima County sheriff's Deputy Tom Peine.
He says the call came in just before 8 a.m. Thursday. Already deputies had a definite lead.
"An individual was seen at the apartment complex carrying some stuff away in a sheet, and, what we came to find out later, one of the victims actually gave chase," said Peine.
It was a pursuit that produced results. Within hours, deputies slapped the cuffs on 18 year-old Christopher Johnson. He now faces two counts of first degree burglary. Deputies say more charges could be on the way.
But residents say that quick arrest only carries so much weight.
"I've been here since July, and since then, there's been probably eight incidences, maybe ten," said Craig Radley.
He calls the last couple months "open season" for car thieves. His was ransacked just six weeks ago.
"Some people carry weapons in their cars. A weapon here was taken out of a car here. I have children," he said. "Times are bad."
And many say that fear may force them to move on.
"We are planning on moving as soon as our lease is up. (When is that?) July," said Radley.
"My lease is up and the end of this month, and I don't know if I'm going to renew," said another resident.
"It's unsettling to know that your stuff isn't safe around here," said Hannaman.
Meanwhile, authorities advise keeping your vehicle locked and your valuables out of sight or, even better, on you.
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