Resident Helps Catch Newport Burglar

Newport Beach police arrested a man this week for residential burglary after he came face-to-face with the resident.

Jhovany Garcia, 23, of Santa Ana was arrested Monday and booked into the Newport Beach jail for residential burglary. According to police, about 1:50 p.m. Garcia rang the front doorbell several times of a home in the 1800 block of West Balboa Boulevard and startled the resident.

"While walking to her front door she saw glass break on a window adjacent to the front door," Kathy Lowe, police spokeswoman, said. "She observed suspect Garcia standing at her front door and immediately screamed for help, causing him to flee from the residence."

The woman called 911 and provided the dispatcher with a description of the suspect. Lowe says a short time later, a police officer found a man matching the description near West Balboa Boulevard and 22nd Street.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Newport Beach Police Det. Brandon Rodriguez at 949-644-3786.

Safety tips

• Never open the door to a stranger.
• Install and use a peephole with a minimum 190 degree view.
• Acknowledge you are home without opening the door.
• When you go to the door, have your phone with you.
• If the person acts suspiciously, call the police immediately and provide them with a description of the subject and why you think their behavior was suspicious.