Neighbors, employees help catch alleged criminal

Police credit teamwork between neighbors and employees at a pair of businesses in helping catch a suspect in a string of crimes.

Neighbors on South Walnut Street spotted a vehicle break-in next to a business and called police. Employees of the Western Omelette restaurant then followed the suspect to another nearby shop in an attempt to keep track of him for officers.

"He was walking away from the van so I asked him, 'What were you doing near that van?' And he said, 'Trying to get cell reception.' I was like, 'By the van? OK, whatever,” employee Presious Borders said.

Police found the suspect one block away from the scene and took him into custody.

David Radar, 35, is believed to be linked to several crimes involving a number of victims. Police say Radar had stolen property with him when he was arrested. Radar is facing charges of mail theft, criminal possession of a financial transaction device, criminal possession of an identification document, third-degree burglary and criminal impersonation.

Police say the alert from citizens and employees from both businesses were "instrumental" in capturing the suspect.

"The same way they're taking care of people in here, they're taking care of their community. They are just that kind of people to stand up and do something like that if they saw something wrong happening,” frequent customer Dean said.

While things turned out fine in this case, police say following crooks isn't always safe.