The suspect in a Calera car burglary had 60 prior arrests, according to police chief David Hyche.
"I'm not going to rant today about someone walking the streets with 60 prior arrests. I've done that enough,” Hyche stated.
The police department did not identify the suspect but confirmed he was taken into custody in connection with a vehicle burglary in the Camden Cove neighborhood.
When officers approached the suspect in the Emerald Ridge subdivision, he threw an object on the ground that was later determined to be a firearm.
"We will never know what crimes were prevented or potential victims were protected by the actions taken by all involved today," Hyche continued. "There is nothing good about an armed career criminal operating in one of our neighborhoods. There is everything good about us working together to quickly get him off the streets and push for the most effective prosecution possible."
The suspect, a felon, was also in possession of stolen items, investigators said. The man’s criminal history includes violent crimes, drugs and property offenses in multiple jurisdictions.
Hyche said the suspected burglar was captured after police received calls from citizens.
"Today's response and arrest involved a joint effort between victims, neighbors, Calera Dispatch, Patrol, and the Criminal Investigations Unit,” said Hyche. “No apologies for enforcing the law.”
Hyche reminded citizens to remove valuables and firearms from vehicles and lock them.
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