Watsonville Resident Does Detective Work, Leads Police To Burglar

WATSONVILLE, CA — The Watsonville Police Department is thanking a community member for helping track down a burglary suspect who is now behind bars. The pieces of the puzzle started coming together May 28 after Watsonville police released video surveillance footage of a man burglarizing a home on Holly Drive. Police knew who the suspected burglar was, but they couldn't find him. So they released the video, along with a booking photo from a prior arrest, in the hope that someone in the community would recognize the suspect, 39-year-old Antonio Acevedo.

Indeed, an alert Watsonville resident saw the video and mugshot and called 911 with some tips for police. Officers, including a K-9 ranger, made their way to the 400 block of Winchester Drive where they found Acevedo hiding inside an SUV, police said. He was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of burglary. Police said they are are still working to find the thousands of dollars worth of property he allegedly stole from the Holly residence.

"This is another perfect example of how social media helps us connect with the community and solve crimes," the Watsonville Police Department said on social media.