Police Catch Attempted Burglar Hiding In AC Unit
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A man, police say, was caught overnight inside an air conditioning unit trying to dismantle it.
Leonel Andino, 43, was taken into custody, accused of trying to rip-off an air conditioning unit—then using it as a hiding spot.
Miami Police say around 3 AM a neighbor in the area of Flagler Street and 62 Avenue spotted a man wearing gloves and a hat sneaking in-between houses.
The neighbor flagged down a patrol officer who was driving by.
"My neighbors and I, we've been keeping a tight crime watch at night, we take turns or we call each other," Anthony Clement said.
Cops say as soon as Andino saw the flashing lights—he made a run for it.
During their search, officers heard noise coming from the AC unit that is outside of an empty house that's under renovation. There they found Andino curled up inside.
Investigators say the wiring of the unit, which was brand new, had been cut and they believe Andino was trying to steal it before he was busted.
"He was actually cutting the air conditioning unit trying to steal it and they grabbed him and they caught him, handcuffed him," Clement said.
Police said Andino was covered in dirt and carrying a bag filled with tools including a screwdriver and a flashlight.
During their investigation they found that Andino lives just a block away from the home he's accused of burglarizing.
Andino's bond is set for $12,500.