Observant Wife and Husband Duo Catch Suspect In The Act

Another burglary was prevented by alert Santa Cruz residents. Well done!

Phat Duong, 38 years old, from San Jose was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, and attempted vehicle theft.

Approximately 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 10th, a local homeowner noticed her previously closed and locked front door was now open. The homeowner looked outside the front of the house and saw Duong standing next to their vehicle with the owner’s keys in hand. The homeowner went outside and yelled at Duong then grabbed the car keys out of the suspect’s hand.

Hearing his wife’s call to action, the husband came outside to distract and detain the suspect. The quick-thinking wife called 911. Santa Cruz Police Officers Department responded quickly to the scene.

Mr. Duong was also caught holding a canvas bag. The bag and its contents belonged to the homeowner. Also in his possession were membership cards for the Monterey Bay Aquarium belonging to another family.

It appears the suspect entered the home from the backyard through an unlocked sliding door and left via the front door.

We are impressed with the husband wife duo for keeping their cool and for their decisive actions. Mr. Duong never had the opportunity to get away with their car.

Thank you Officer Kendall and Officer Cockrum for your quick response to the scene of the crime.

Mr. Duong was arrested and booked into jail for suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, and attempted vehicle theft.