MILWAUKEE-- A quick-thinking neighbor helps police nab three teens and a 12-year-old accused of trying to break into cars on the East Side.
"I woke up to my neighbors calling me to let me know someone is messing with my car," said Steven McCoy, victim.
The commotion happened around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of the Riverview Apartments.
"I look outside and I saw a burgundy van, black tinted windows and a sun roof cruising the parking lot, and I saw four individuals...pulling on the door handles and everything," explained Lisa Collins, neighbor.
Lisa Collins yelled at the group from her window and called 911.
"We need to pull together and stop this crime no matter what side of town, no matter what nationality, no matter what race," said Collins.
The alleged thieves ran off when police arrived, but officers caught them shortly after. Police arrested a 16-year-old, two 14-year-olds, and the 12-year-old.
Both neighbors have a message for the young people they saw in the parking lot.
"Get in school or do something positive with your life," said McCoy.
"The only thing I can say to these young men is I am an ex-gang banger, I'm an ex-drug addict, I've been in the penitentiary five times. It's not worth it," explained Collins.
Police say there were six car break-ins on the East Side between Friday and Tuesday evening.
