Suspect in Renton home burglary arrested after Q13 News viewer tips

RENTON, Wash. -- A 39-year-old Renton man was arrested Friday night, after he was identified through numerous tips from the public who had seen surveillance video footage on TV, police said.

The suspect had burglarized a home in the Renton Highlands on Feb. 11, fleeing the home just as school age children  living there returned home. The homeowner's surveillance camera captured footage of the suspect and his escape.

Q13 News aired a report containing the video footage on Thursday night.

"After portions of that video were aired by a local television station ... (a detective) received multiple tips identifying the suspect," the Renton Police Department said in a news release.

The suspect was arrested Friday night.

"The Renton Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in making this arrest possible," the news release said.

BELOW IS THE EARLIER Q13 NEWS REPORT ON THE BURGLARY WITH THE VIDEO:



RENTON, Wash. -- Children coming home from school in Renton interrupted an intruder in their house.

The kids' father hopes surveillance video will be enough to stop him.  We're protecting the father`s identity for his family`s safety.

The dad tells us he accidentally left the back sliding door unlocked on Feb. 11.  That's how the guy got in.  Their two children had just been dropped off by the school bus and were walking in the front door.  The guy made a quick escape as the bus pulled away.

“The bus stops right in front of my house, so he heard the brakes and the bus and I’m sure he rushed out.  The surveillance video shows he's in a rush because somebody is at the front door,” says the dad.

The homeowner says the suspect stole his wife`s purse and a camera.  He also carried out a pellet gun, but leaves it behind last minute.  Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips.  If your information leads to an arrest, you could get up to a $1,000 reward.