Plano Police Chase Ends In Richardson After Suspects Crash
RICHARDSON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM.COM) - A Plano homeowner says it wasn't valuables-- but, principle-- that made him go after an armed man that he found rummaging through his car.
"I'm angry... that's why I follow him. He got the gun in his hand," says the homeowner who asked not to be identified. "I was mad. I say, 'please, leave my things on the car'....that's it."
The homeowner says the thief took some Gatorade and a few dollars-- but, he says he confronted him because he didn't want to send the message that the quiet neighborhood was afraid to confront crime or criminals.
"It's very frustrating," says neighbor Clovis Roberts. "You think that you're in a safe neighborhood!"
Roberts has lived in the area for some 18 years and says he has noticed more property crimes of late. Burglars targeted two of his vehicles in recent months. He says he is more wary, now.
"Ever since that happened to me, I'm looking over my shoulder all the time," says Roberts.
Plano police officer David Tilley said that it started after a man found one of the suspects hiding in his car that was parked in his driveway at around 4:00 a.m. Tuesday.
"A homeowner discovered someone inside his motor vehicle parked at his residence," said Tilley. "It was reported to us that the suspect in this case displayed a firearm. He jumped into a vehicle that was occupied by other individuals and took off."
The high-speed chase ended on the southbound service road of Central Expressway, between Campbell Road and Collins Bouelvard.
At one point, the chase reached speeds of 100 mph, according to reports.
"Fortunately, there was very little traffic on the road at that time, so that allowed them to continue following the vehicle into Richardson," said Tilley.
The southbound Highway 75 frontage road in Richardson at Campbell Road was closed as police continued to search the area.
Police took three men into custody.
20-year-old Jesse Alvarez was charged with Evading Arrest/Detention; 22-year-old Jose Alfredo Fernandez was charged with Evading Arrest/Detention; 24-year-old Branden Keith Taylor Wilson was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Officials say additional charges may be filed.
The homeowner who confronted the suspected burglar says he is glad that police made quick arrests in the case. But, he admits to some sadness as well because "they are young guys," and then adding, "Get a job... That's it."
