Teens suspected in Shelbyville break-ins

Shelbyville Police are trying to connect the dots in a rash of home break-ins. Police say the small town has seen five break-ins in less than 24 hours.

According to authorities, so many break-ins in such a short time frame is very unusual, which is why they think the crimes could be connected.

The suspects are two 17-year-old boys, who were caught in the act by homeowner Jake Noel Wednesday afternoon.

Jake said he woke up from an afternoon nap to find a would-be burglar climbing through his kitchen window.
At first Jake was shocked, then he sprang into action.

"He said oh 'beep' and that's about all he got out of his mouth. He was ready to get out of dodge," Jake said of the suspect.

By the time Jake got near the suspect, he said the teen was already trying to get back outside. "So I had a hold of him and I'm trying to grab his hair to pull him back in."

But the 17-year-old managed to escape Jake's grasp and took off with his friend. Jake was right behind them.

"I opened the back door. I was bare foot and in pajama pants. But I took off running after them. They jumped the fence," said Jake.

Jake said he was right on the suspects heels. He hopped the fence and ran after them through the woods right near his house. At the same time he was calling 911.

"I've never worried in my life about something like this," said Jake.

The teens were nabbed by the cops within about 30 minutes. Investigators suspect they're connected to Tuesday afternoon's string of four break-ins, but don't have anything solid yet.

Jake is just happy he could help get them off the streets before they struck again, "I didn't really know what to think," he said. "I was just scared, nervous and cussing!"

Right now the two 17-year-old suspects have only been charged with breaking into Jake's home and resisting arrest. But according to police, more charges could be coming.