Vanessa Garcia returned home on June 13 at about 3 p.m. and saw that the back door of her parents’ residence in Abbotsford had been kicked in.
After hearing noises coming from upstairs, she returned to her car, drove out the long driveway, parked her vehicle and called 911.
Her actions led to the arrest of the suspect that day and a commendation from the Abbotsford Police Department on Tuesday during the monthly meeting of the police board.
Garcia’s 911 call resulted in police being dispatched to the scene, surrounding the home, and entering the residence.
The suspect ran out the front door, but was apprehended by a police dog. The man was dressed in black and wore gloves and a balaclava.
Several knives and metal bars were found in his possession, as were many items that had been stolen from the home.
The suspect is now in court on several charges.
“Your keen observations, clear thinking and quick response proved to be invaluable in allowing the police members to quickly locate and arrest the suspect,” Mayor Bruce Banman said in presenting Garcia with her commendation.
Garcia thanked the board for the recognition, saying, “It’s nice to be appreciated.”