Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Officers with the Columbia Police Department arrested 17-year-old and 15-year-old males in connection with a burglary to a home on Hampton Forest Drive at about 8 a.m. Friday.
Police arrested Willie Lee Kelly and charged him with failure to stop for police lights, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle and larceny. Officers have not determined charges for the 15-year-old.
Investigators say a neighbor called 911 after seeing the suspects at the home. Though the duo got away, a good vehicle and suspect description lead police to them driving down the road. Police say the suspects didn't stop when they signaled them to and one even got out of the car and ran.
When police finally caught up with them they found that the car they were driving was stolen and there was a lap top inside.
This is not the first burglary in the Hampton Forest community. Developer Brian Boyer says there have been a handful since April.
That's when he helped start up a community watch program. He says residents are on list serve that updates them when things like burglaries happen.
"We have a block captain-someone whose in charge of each block who tries to do a good job of making sure people keep lights on and getting to know your neighbor," said Boyer.
He applauds the resident who took the authority to call 911 Friday and report the suspicious activity.
"A lot of people sort of turn a blind eye," Boyer said. "You read that people hear screams or alarms going off and they don't want to get wrapped up in much."
Another thing he helped facilitate in the neighborhood was having a crime prevention officer come out and survey the homes. That officer then made suggestions to keep burglars away.
"We're just glad we're part of the solution and not the problem," Boyer said.
It's not clear if the two suspects are responsible for any of the previous burglaries.
Columbia Police urge you to contact their office and 911 if you ever see any suspicous activity.
You can also call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
11/6/2009 8:00:33 PM
