Teens Stumble Across Burglary Suspect Rummaging Through Santa Cruz Co. Home: SCSO

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA —A Santa Cruz County man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after two teenagers found the man inside their Santa Cruz County home, sheriff’s office officials said. The burglary was reported in the 100 block of Moran Way on July 27. Sheriff’s officials said the suspect, later identified by witnesses and surveillance video as Oneill Wood, fled the home after two teens discovered him in the kitchen.

A sergeant in the area found a man matching the description of the suspect in a nearby beach parking lot. Sheriff’s officials said Wood had the backpack stolen from the home in his possession when he was arrested.

Sheriff’s officials said the case is a good reminder to residents to register their home security cameras with the Neighborhood Video Partnership program to help deputies identify suspects and search for clues following a report of a crime.

“Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in the act of committing crime,” sheriff’s officials said via social media. “More information on registering your video surveillance system with the Sheriff’s Office can be located on our webpage.”

Photo courtesy Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page