Alert residents helped the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department catch three burglary suspects Wednesday.
In a news release, Sheriff Eric Watson said a man spotted a strange vehicle outside a family-owned home on Beeler Ridge Road and saw the front door was open. The man called his father, who went to the residence and called in a description of a white Lexus to 911 dispatchers.
The homeowner went inside and surprised three people who had a large duffel bag. All three ran outside and fled in the Lexus, Watson said.
The homeowner pointed out substantial damage to the rear wall, where the electrical service was connected. Detectives found the service disconnected and the wiring to the breaker box cut. They also found damaged, leaking plumbing.
A patrol deputy recognized the vehicle’s tag number and detectives went to an apartment on Georgetown Road where they found the Lexus. Several electrical components were visible in the back seat.
They found Chase Richard Rearden, 27, of Hixson, and Glennis Wayne Hicks, 35, and Tabatha Lynn Oliver Hicks, 35, both of Georgetown Road, in the apartment.
All three have been charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $1,000.