From Cape Story neighborhood watch email:

The following was received from a neighbor in the 2200 block of Beech St.

Last night (Saturday, July 21) around 12:00 midnight my husband witnessed 2 white males, around 20 years old, coming out of my neighbors driveway and headed down Poinciana toward Oak Street. Both were dressed in back shirts, black jeans and both wore black backpacks. My husband asked me to call the police and at least four police cars came to our area very quickly. In the meantime my husband followed them down Poinciana to Oak Street hiding behind trees and watching what they were up to. One went on one the left side of the street and the other went on the right side of the street. They walked very slowly as if they were walking home from a walk. Each male went to every driveway and checked if the cars were unlocked.

Upon entering one home’s yard they stole a nice looking red bicycle, with a basket and lock. They jumped on the bicycle and started to ride away and at that time my husband jumped out from hiding and grabbed hold of one and both of them came off the bicycle. One took off running down the street and the other one fell but was able to jump up really fast and ran away also. It appears they came prepared to steal with their black attire, looking for unlocked cars, bicycles, etc. My husband left the bicycle at a home on Oak St. He was not sure which house it came from as things happened pretty fast at that time.

I stopped by the house where he left the bicycle this morning and talked to the homeowner and some other neighbors around them. It was not their bicycle but they said they would check around with other neighbors to see if anyone is missing one. I also talked to some of my neighbors on Beech Street & Oak Street and found there were several that had left their cars doors unlocked and items such as nice sunglasses, money (small change & a few small bills) were taken along with a pack of chewing gum. Lucky for them. Nothing big from these neighbors was taken but not sure who else got their car ransacked or had anything stolen.

The police looked around for awhile but couldn’t find them. My husband told them about the bicycle that they stole and that he was able to retrieve it. He told them where it was if they wanted to check it for fingerprints.

Also, upon talking to a neighbor on Beech Street and one on Oak Street they both said around 10:30 they heard a gun shot.

Although our neighbor followed these guys and jumped them when they stole the bike, he was very fortunate that the bad guys ran away. The police strongly discourage residents from getting involved as they do not want our citizens to get hurt. If anyone had anything stolen from cars or yards or witnessed anything pertaining to this incident, please call the police at 385-5000. Also, the stolen bike can be claimed by calling Cathy at 412-7919.

Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. Also, please call or email the NW Coordinator so crime reports and suspicious activities can be shared with all of our residents.