Video Story
Watch VideoWhen neighbors strike back
Story By: Nicole Vandeputte
Source: KOAA
When neighbors strike back, criminals beware. That's what happened on Sunday when some people saw a man break into a home. It happened on the southeast side of Colorado Springs.
Police hope this story serves as a message. They say you should watch out for your neighbors. Their message to criminals, don't mess with this neighborhood.
In a neighborhood off Capulin drive, a story is spreading. One that should be a cautionary tale to criminals. Lt. Fletcher Howard works with Colorado Springs police out of the Sand Creek Division. He says, "I think it sends a clear message to criminals that you need to be careful, because people are watching you."
According to police, it began with a break-in on Sunday afternoon. They say the supect, William Nelson, broke some doors and windows to get into a house. Someone spotted him, and Nelson ran down the street.
Polly Moorman lives down the street with her husband and two young boys. She says, "Our dogs went absolutely crazy, so my husband knew something was up. He grabbed the shotgun, and chased the guy down the street."
On the next street, the Flanigan's 14 year old son was home alone when he saw someone try to climb their fence. His dad, Ben, says, "My son apparently saw the guy climb the fence, saw his hands, so he hit him with a rake. He came back down, and came out the other side of the house."
Ben Flanigan and his wife, Crissy, were getting frantic calls from their son as they pulled onto their street. That's when they spotted Nelson. Crissy says, "He came out of this side of the house right here, he just came out, and walked all the way down the street." While he walked, they followed him in their car. She says, "We just stayed like this following him the whole time, and I was talking to police on the phone."
About a dozen other neighbors followed the suspect on foot. They kept him in their sight until police arrived, and arrested him. Crissy Flanagan says, "This is a real tight community, and we all look out for each other. What we did, I hope other people would do for us." Polly Moorman says, "It makes me feel better about living here. That so many people will come together makes me feel safer about coming home."
According to police, Nelson is still behind bars. While Lt. Howard credits these neighbors for their bravery, he is quick to add that you shouldn't put yourself in a dangerous situation. Instead, he says, the weapon you should use is your cellphone. He also suggests you try to take in as much of a mental image of your surroundings as you can.
