Alert neighbor foils Wake Forest burglary attempt
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (WTVD) -- A break-in at a Wake Forest home was thwarted Friday afternoon thanks to an alert neighbor who called police.
"We were just sitting out back and saw the guy walk around," said the Good Samaritan, who didn't want to be identified. "We just kept an eye on him and saw what was going on and called and the police who were very quick to get here."
Police arrested 41-year-old Gerald Ringlbauer after catching him removing property from a home in the 900 block of Shasta Daisy Drive around 2:15 p.m.
Police Chief Jeff Leonard applauded the actions of a neighbor who called to report the break-in.
"We rely on our citizens to be the eyes and ears of the department and encourage them to call us anytime they see something suspicious," said Leonard. "This case is another example of someone taking that responsibility seriously. It also shows how we can all work together to protect our community."
At last report, Ringlbauer was being held at the Wake County Jail on $15,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to go before a judge Monday.
Anyone witnessing or experiencing suspicious activity is urged to contact the Wake Forest Police Department at (919) 554-6150.
