INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Police arrested three men accused of breaking into cars in the parking lots of popular Castleton stores and restaurants.
Taken into custody over the weekend, they were out on their own recognizance Monday.
Police say they caught the suspects red-handed, smashing out car windows in the Castleton neighborhood. Investigators say they plagued the area for months, and there could be hundreds of victims.
Jennifer Havens is believed to be one of the last victims hit by the car burglary ring. Although the suspects didn't get away with anything in her case, Jennifer still took photos of the broken out window.
"I didn't have anything of value in the car," she said. "It ticked me off that someone destroyed my property, something I work hard to have."
The window smash happened outside Las Cobas restaurant. An undercover Metro Police officer waiting for backup had already followed the suspects through the parking lots at the Red Lobster on E. 82nd St. The same suspects reportedly targeted vehicles at Hooters, too.
The undercover officer hit the jackpot after secretly working the area.
"They would drive up, park next to a car, look in there, see if there was anything of value to them and either break into that car or drive off to the next one," according to IMPD Major Richard Riddle.
But when confronted by police, investigators say the three suspects sparked a short pursuit and crashed their getaway car.
People who witnessed the chase helped police with evidence, including a weapon they suspect the trio ditched.
"A concerned citizen called us and said, 'hey, there is a handgun in the street,' and it was along the path of our pursuit," Major Riddle said.
"It's unbelievable to me," Havens said. "It just makes me mad that so many others are going through what I am having to deal with."
No matter where you park, even if it's in busy areas with lots of people around, police say always hide your valuables.