Vehicle Break-in Suspects Captured After Chase

A resident's tip, police teamwork and a sharp device combined early Wednesday to deflate the plans of a pair who were stealing valuables from vehicles in Macungie, according to police.

The drama began when borough police received a call from a resident about 4:45 a.m. that someone was looking inside of cars at the Brookfield Apartments in the area of Brookfield Drive and Brookfield Circle, borough police said. A Macungie officer was nearby and saw a man duck behind a parked car.

were called to help search. When the Emmaus officers arrived, a vehicle with two men was seen fleeing, police said. Officers from both departments took up the chase.

Officers sought assistance from South Whitehall Township police as the chase headed up Route 222. A spike strip deployed by South Whitehall police flattened a tire, stopping the vehicle, police said.

Stolen items were found in the vehicle, and the two occupants were arrested, police said.

Police charged Giancarlo Catro, 18, of 416 Benner Road, Allentown, with theft, fleeing or attempting to elude police, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, crimnal conspiracy, receiving stolen property and drivng without a license. He was awaiting arraignment on Wednesday.

A 17-year-old juvenile from Allentown was charged with theft, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, police said. He was being held in Lehigh County Juvenile Detention.

Police did not say how many vehicles were entered or whether any or all were unlocked.  They are attempting to match stolen merchandise with owners and are spreading the word in an attempt to do so. Already, two owners have been found.

Police ask that anyone else who had items stolen from their vehicle early Wednesday contact them at 610-966-2222.

Capture of the suspects also is a reminder of how important resident involvement can be, since it was a resident report that led to police being called in time to give chase and make arrests.