8-y-o girl's scream foil's thief's plan to steal phone during house break-in

An eight-year-old girl's terrified screams brought an alleged burglar's getaway to a crashing halt after neighbours rushed to her family's rescue and caught the suspect moments after he allegedly broke into their Old Harbour home early Wednesday morning.

The 40-year-old bus conductor, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigations, is now in police custody on suspicion of burglary and larceny.

Reports are that about 5 a.m. on July 1, the complainant was at her home on Bullet Lane in Old Harbour, St Catherine, when she was awakened by screams for help from her eight-year-old daughter.

The woman rushed to investigate and discovered that a ZTE cellular phone, a power bank and a night light had been stolen.

Checks also revealed that entry had been gained by force through a rear door of the house.

The frightened woman raised an alarm, prompting neighbours to respond. The suspect was reportedly caught before he could escape.

When checks were carried out, the man was allegedly found in possession of the stolen items.

The police were summoned, and the suspect was handed over to officers.

He remains in custody as investigators continue probing the incident.

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