KRISTV.com
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS | CONTINUOUS NEWS COVERAGE
Powered by
Local News
Watchful Neighbor Helps Police Catch Suspected Thieves
Posted: Oct 1, 2012 6:17 PM by Mia Gordon - mgordon@kristv.com
Updated: Oct 1, 2012 6:46 PM
CORPUS CHRISTI - A watchful neighbor led police to two crooks who they say broke into homes in a neighborhood near Airline and Alameda. And for one family, it's a good thing they were caught quickly.
The morning crime spree all started at the Gaines Apartment Complex, where police say two suspected thieves, identified as Lori Van Dusen and Angelo Coglaiti broke into a garage and stole a power washer.
They then took off on their bikes, but what they didn't know was that they were being watched.
Van Dusen and Coglaiti then turned onto Ashland looking for their next target.
They hit the jackpot at one home on Ashland Drive, where they found a van unlocked in a driveway, and according to police stole a check book.
Inside the home at the time was Joe Esquivel and his mother, who despite hearing their pitbull barking, didn't think anything was wrong. That was until Esquivel came outside and saw police outside his home.
Esquivel first panicked thinking that his mom - who left a few minutes earlier - was in an accident. It turns out the van she left in was broken into. And according to police, a checkbook was taken. But Essquivel's mother didn't even realize all this had ahppened.
Esquivel says, "As a matter of fact she is going to need that checkbook to pay the taxes. That's where she went."
Esquivel says he was upset when he heard the news, "I'm sure everyone gets angry when someone violates them."
He was happy neighbors were on the look out, and also learned a valuable lesson. Esquivel and his mom usually leave their doors unlocked, but that won't be the case from now on.
While Esquivel drove off to tell his mom the news, police drove down to Airline and Gaines to catch the suspects on their getaway bikes.
Goglaiti and Van Dusen were taken into custody. They are being charged with burglary of habitation and a vehicle.
Police say that crimes like these are easily prevented. Juse make sure cars and garages are locked, and valuables are hidden.
Video On Demand
Submit News
Do you have a tip, information about a breaking news story, or a story idea for 6 Investigates? Contact the KRIS 6 News Desk at 361-884-6666 or send us an email.
Most Popular
KRISTV.COM is Social!
Click the icons above to receive News, Weather, and Sports alerts from KRISTV.COM!
Inside KRISTV.COM
 |
Photo Central Look at photos and videos and share them! |
 |
Desktop Weather Current forecast, hurricane info, and much more! |
 |
KRISTV.COM Mobile Website Get KRISTV.com on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
KRISTV.COM Mobile Apps Get our mobile apps on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
Texas Lottery See the latest winning numbers! |
 |
6 News Team Read about your favorite KRIS-TV personalities! |
 |
FCC Online Public File FCC Public File of Records, Reports, and more |
Comments