Crime & Safety
Citizen Tackles, Detains Alleged Car Burglar in Ridgewood
Police say Dereck Miller, 34, was arrested for allegedly helping himself to an iPod cable before a citizen chased him down and served him up to police.
One concerned citizen had no plans to let a man he believed was burglarizing his friend's car get away, according to .
Noticing an individual rifling through his friend's car off Godwin Ave. early Friday morning, the man chased the suspect and tackled him on the train tracks behind Mac Murphys, according to police. He detained the suspect until police arrived, Cpt. Jacqueline Luthcke said.
Dereck Miller, 34, of Ridgewood, was arrested and charged with burglary and theft.
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Records show Miller has been arrested for burglary several times over the past decade. He was released on his own recognizance on Friday and faces a future date in court.
Although police believe they have their man, in part because of one friend's dedication, they're not exactly clamoring for the public to chase down suspects.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"It's definitely not recommended," Luthcke said.
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