Three suspects have been nabbed in a series of bold "dinner-time burglaries" plaguing Phoenix, with cops foiling their latest attempt to make off with loot on a quiet residential block. The drama unfolded around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, near 44th Street and Camelback Road, as the would-be thieves were caught red-handed by sharp-eyed officers. According to ABC15, the suspects initially tried to escape in a minivan but were stopped in their tracks when they crashed into unmarked police cars.
Amid the chaos, four individuals bolted from the disabled vehicle, but police were quick on their heels — capturing three of them. The trio, identified as 20-year-old Sue Ellen Gutierrez Saez, 21-year-old Johan Salvo Alacon, and 25-year-old Manuel Eduardo Fuentes Gomez now face a litany of charges, including burglary, FOX 10 Phoenix reported. The suspects reportedly each had fake IDs and had overstayed their visas in the United States.
Investigators are sounding the alarm over these "dinner-time burglaries," believed to be orchestrated by South American Theft Groups with fingerprints on a slew of similar crimes across the Valley since December 2023. Despite this breakthrough, authorities caution that more of these skillful burglars are still at large. Phoenix Police Sergeant Phil Krynsky warned the community, saying, "Detectives believe there are still several SATGs members outstanding."
The neighborhoods have been on edge, grappling with the unsettling wave of these brazen heists, typically timed when residents are at dinner. The public is urged to stay alert and report any dubious behavior. Tacking on to the growing concern, Sgt. Krynsky further pressed the importance of community vigilance, according to statements obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, "All Valley agencies encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Investigative efforts will continue as detectives work to bring more individuals to justice."
