On Sunday, Feb. 25, around 3 p.m., three alleged male suspects were seen coming from the vicinity of the bushes in the Birdies parking lot before breaking into Chris Verduzco’s vehicle, neighbors told the Advocate. But had vigilant neighbors not been there, Verduzco might not have his car, he said.
“I’m grateful that the neighbors scared them off. I’ve grown up in the area, my grandparents have lived in the neighborhood most of my life off Skillman and Goodwin, so it’s nice to know people still care and that the Lakewood community is still a close-knit community,” Verduzco said.
According to Verduzco, the alleged suspects damaged the passenger side of his vehicle during the break-in. Officers informed him they may have used a wire or slim jim car tool to gain entry.
Once individuals witnessed the situation, neighbors pulled out their phones to take pictures and videos, allegedly deterring the suspects from stealing the car. However, no one was arrested or caught, according to the police.
Beneath the glove compartment is the vehicle’s fuse box, which can be accessed to reset the key fob software and reprogram it for starting the vehicle with an iPad mini. Verduzco said the individuals attempted this, resulting in his fuse box hanging out and his vehicle unable to start.
Verduzco said in his car were sunglasses, a denim jacket, and a hard drive, but nothing appeared to have been taken.
He still doesn’t know who made the 911 call and helped save his car.
“Just want to thank whoever reported, called the cops, or took pictures of the people trying to steal my car earlier today at Birdies Eastside. Hopefully, y’all might be on here, police officers said y’all scared them away when it started to happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” Verduzco said on the Lakewood Facebook group page.
He shared his experience on Facebook in hopes of identifying the families or individuals and personally thank them.
The hero remains unknown.
