A stolen-vehicle pursuit in Philadelphia ended behind homes in Bridesburg after police say a suspect hid in a neighbor’s backyard area.
The suspect, described by police as a 29-year-old man, was taken into custody shortly before noon Wednesday on the 2900 block of Hedley Street, according to 6abc.
Chopper 6 footage showed officers surrounding the man before the arrest.
The same footage showed officers jumping a fence and locating the suspect hiding inside a carport tent in a neighbor’s backyard, the station reported.
The Pursuit Started With a Reported Stolen Vehicle
Investigators said the incident began around 11:15 a.m. when officers spotted a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen on the 4100 block of Elbridge Street. Police said officers tried to make a traffic stop, but the driver ignored commands to stop.
Investigators told 6abc that an officer deployed a Taser while trying to detain the driver, but the driver sped away.
Police Ended the Chase When the Driver Went the Wrong Way
The pursuit continued for several miles and through several neighborhoods. At one point, investigators said the driver traveled the wrong direction on Interstate 95, prompting officers to end the chase.
Police later found the stolen vehicle in Bridesburg, not far from where the suspect was eventually taken into custody.
FOX 29 reported that the man was later found hiding in a shed along Hedley Street, while 6abc described the hiding place as a carport tent in a neighbor’s backyard.
Residents Described an Unusual Scene on the Block
Resident Cammie Delph told 6abc the helicopters, officers, lights, and yelling made the scene feel like something from television. FOX 29 also quoted longtime resident Frank Price, who said the area is usually quiet.
The suspect was apprehended without incident and taken to a hospital for evaluation, FOX 29 reported. Police had not identified the suspect by name in the initial reports, and charges were still pending.
Backyards Can Become Part of a Police Search
When a chase or foot pursuit reaches a residential block, residents may see officers crossing fences, checking sheds, looking inside covered parking areas, and moving through yards.
Anyone who sees a person hiding on the property, cutting through a yard, or entering a shed or carport should stay inside if possible and call 911. Clear details about clothing, direction of travel, vehicles, and camera footage can help police without putting the homeowner outside in the search area.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises vehicle owners to take their keys with them, close and lock windows and doors, park in well-lit areas when possible, and avoid leaving valuables visible inside a vehicle.
If a vehicle is stolen, NHTSA says owners should contact police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report and contact their insurance company within 24 hours.