LAKE COUNTY, Ohio — Three individuals have been charged with Burglary and Complicity to Commit Burglary following a series of home invasions in Northeast Ohio
Rudy Miller and Rocky Mason (both 28), and April Miller (26) are currently awaiting arraignment at the Lake County Adult Detention Facility after police say they pulled off a string of home burglaries.
According to Lake County Sheriff's Office, the three suspects attempted to steal from at least four homes in Ashtabula, Concord, and Leroy Townships.
In one incident, Rudy and Mason were allegedly able to get away with $6,000 in jewelry after presenting themselves as water company employees to the homeowner.
Pennsylvania State Police reported a similar incident involving two men with the same description, as well as a similar car connected to the Ohio burglaries, and the thieves were able to steal a floor safe containing nearly $10,000.
On August 9, the Madison Township police located the suspect vehicle, a black 2012 Dodge Challenger, and Lake County Sheriff's Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol were dispatched.
The suspects fled the scene, however, and were able to evade officers near the Route 615 exit off of Interstate 90.
Shortly after the police chase, an Uber driver received a call to pickup three individuals from Garfield Park in Mentor. The driver arrived on scene and noticed the black Dodge Challenger at the park. The three suspects did not know, however, that the driver had been listening to police scanners and had heard about the police encounter with a similar car.
The Uber driver dropped the suspects off at the Holiday Inn on Route 306 and remained in the area after calling 911.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office says that upon detaining the individuals, all of the stolen items were found within the Dodge Challenger.
Similar cases from multiple counties across northern Ohio and Pennsylvania are currently under investigation.
On Wednesday, Lake County officials presented the Uber driver, identified as Steven Baker, with an award for his citizenship. Here's what the award reads:
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office recognizes your outstanding citizenship on August 9, 2020. While working for Uber you recognized your vehicle’s fare occupants as suspects in a series of breaking and entering incidents. Refusing to take them further, you had them disembark at Smokey Bones restaurant, then contacted police and directed the police to exact their location. The three criminals were subsequently arrested and charged for multiple crimes. Your bravery in placing your own safety second over the welfare of others deserves the recognition and appreciation of this community. We thank you for your outstanding efforts!”
