An eagle-eyed neighbor and swift sheriff's deputies teamed up to take down two suspected burglars in Apple Valley. In the early hours of Monday, April 29, authorities were alerted to an alleged burglary in progress on the 14700 block of Pamlico Road. The suspects were in hot water as the caller reported seeing them load stolen goods into a pickup while the homeowners were out of town.

Deputies from the Apple Valley Police Department, including Deputies D. Padilla and J. Kabluyen, arrived on the scene and tried to make contact with the pair, identified as Erica Christine Bello, 34, of Phelan, and Skylar Aaron Rutherford, 29, of Pinon Hills. But instead of surrendering, the duo hopped into their pickup and led the officers on a chase. The getaway was short-lived, ending at the intersection of Apple Valley Road and Ottawa Road where both suspects were apprehended without further drama.

According to a report made available on Nixle, Bello and Rutherford were booked at High Desert Detention Center facing felony charges including burglary and evading an officer with willful disregard. The Victorville District Attorney's office wasn't cutting them any slack, filing the charges on Tuesday, May 1, and setting bail at a steep $100,000 each.

Those in the know are encouraged to step forward with any additional information. Deputy Padilla, on point for the investigation, can be contacted at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station, or through the department’s dispatch. Witnesses preferring to remain anonymous are urged to hit up the We-Tip Hotline or drop a tip on their website.

As always, the community is reminded that vigilance is a potent deterrent to crime. The conscientious neighbor's alertness and the deputies' prompt response played a crucial role in bringing the suspects to justice.