Citizen tip leads to arrest of four car burglary suspects

One citizen’s call led to the arrest of four suspects early Friday morning.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 3 a.m., according to a Sheriff’s Office press release. The caller said there were suspects in the area of Shoal Run Trail and County Road 119 breaking into cars, and provided detailed descriptions of the suspects and their car, according to the release.

Sheriff’s deputies and Hoover police officers on patrol in the area were able to easily spot the suspects based on the descriptions provided, and four individuals were taken into custody. Several pieces of jewelry and electronics were also recovered.

Four individuals in their 20s were arrested, including Hoover residents William Alexander Smith and Marques Edward Tetter, both 23; Pelham resident Erin Elizabeth Riley, 24; and Helena resident Devin Sandlin, 20.

All four were charged with unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, according to the release, and there are other charges possible.

Sheriff John Samaniego offered thanks to the public and the concerned citizen who called in the suspicious activity, and he said it is important to keep vehicles locked and to not leave valuable items in them, according to the release.

Anyone with additional information about vehicle break-ins in the area can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 669-4181, through the Secret Witness line at 669-9116 or online at ShelbySO.com.