KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Watchful Neighbors Catch Burglar
Member Center:
by Kim Hynes
A rash of burglaries in west Wichita stop after two women help police catch the suspect. It happened last month after 18 homes had been broken into near Maple and Ridge. 36-year-old Christopher Ward is charged in eight of those burglaries.
Police say they wouldn't have caught Ward without the help of two women. Virginia Pohlenz and Sharon Mortimer were eating lunch when they noticed a man at their neighbors house. "He just opened that screen door and kicked that door in. We went huh. I guess he had a feeling he was being watched because he turned around and looked us right in the eye," Pohlenz said.
The suspect then walked back to his car but a few minutes later came back to the neighbors house. The women called 911 and police quickly showed up. They arrested the suspect and soon connected him with other burglaries in the area. The investigation is ongoing to see if Ward's involved in the other burglaries.
Police say the watchful women are a perfect example of the benefits of neighborhood watch. They say if you want to start one if your neighborhood, it helps keep everyone safer. For more information on starting a neighborhood watch, call 268-4101. Or check out: http://www.wichita.gov
