Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- Thanks to an alert neighbor, Newton County Sheriff's Office deputies were able to catch three burglary suspects moments after they allegedly broke into a home Wednesday afternoon at 10 Railside Drive.

Arrested and charged with burglary were: Marcellus L. Nipple, 18, of 115 Goshawk Walk; Lorenzo Moore, 23, of 8123 Woodland Ave.; and Jelani H. Forde, 18, of 60 Goshawk Walk.

"The neighbor gave a wonderful description, which assisted deputies in being able to charge and arrest these suspects," NCSO Public Information Officer Deputy Courtney Morrison said.

Cpl. Anthony Washington described what happened saying that when deputies arrived at the home about 1:30 p.m., they found the rear door of the residence broken and shattered glass on the ground.

"A witness advised seeing three black males in the area. Two went to the rear of the house and one stood as lookout," he said. "After observing that, this person called 911 and officers responded to the area where they observed three males walking in the vicinity who matched the description given by the witness."

Washington said as deputies approached the three men, they ran. One person was quickly apprehended and after continuing their investigation, Washington said they were shortly able to catch up with a second suspect.

"Through investigation, further information was received and the third subject was later identified as being involved in the burglary," Washington said.

Morrison added that this case is a good example of the benefit that can come from neighbors watching out for neighbors.

"It's essential that neighbors look out for each other's houses. If anyone is interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program to protect their neighborhood, they should contact the NCSO at 678-625-1400, extension 1417," Morrison said.