Duo Detains Burglar Until Police Arrive

    An observant neighbor and fast-acting resident were able to stop a robbery in Astor this week, and also helped law enforcement out by detaining the suspect until deputies could arrive. Michael Emerson of Astor is facing a variety of charges after he broke into a shed at an Armadillo Road residence and attempted to steal guns.
    Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports stated William Lightfoot was on his way home from work around 6:45 p.m. and driving past 23902 Armadillo Road when he saw a man jumping over his neighbor’s fence, and hearing the sound of glass breaking. Lightfoot knocked on the house’s door to notify resident Ray Shepherd of the incident. Upon arriving at the shed, the duo found Emerson coming out of the broken window, and three rifles he had taken from the shed on the ground.
    Lightfoot pinned the suspect on the ground until deputies arrived, and Lake EMS responded to the scene. However, Emerson declined treatment before being transported to the Lake County Jail, where he was booked on three charges each of armed burglary, grand theft of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Added charges in another case were for burglary, larceny, and dealing in stolen property. He was held on $113,000 bond.
    Deputies said it is unknown how the suspect knew the rifles were in the shed.