3 Suspects Caught After Edgeworth Home Break-In and Pursuit
I woke up to the kind of story that makes any quiet town stop for a second — a home burglary in Edgeworth that turned into a full-on foot chase across the neighborhood. Around 8:40 a.m., a homeowner on Oliver Road spotted two masked men trying to break into her house. She wasn’t home, but she caught it live through her security camera feed — something you and I might check casually from our phones, only this time it wasn’t a false alert.
Edgeworth Police Chief John Burlett said officers responded within minutes. When they arrived, the suspects ran, hopping fences and cutting through yards until one was tackled by a resident who stepped in to help. A second suspect was caught nearby by Leetsdale police, and a third — believed to be the getaway driver — was stopped miles away on Mt. Nebo Road by Ohio Township officers who had just received a “be on the lookout” alert.
Three arrests, one tense morning, and a reminder of how fast local police and alert neighbors can stop a crime before it spirals further. It’s a small story on the surface, but if you live in this area — or anywhere like it — it hits close to home. Would you have reacted the same way if that alert flashed on your phone?
How It Began — Alert Homeowner Spotted Intruders via Security Camera
You know that moment when your phone buzzes, and you realize it’s not just a notification but a real emergency? That’s exactly what happened to the homeowner on Oliver Road. She wasn’t home, but her security camera caught two masked men trying to break in through the back door. She quickly called the police, and within minutes, officers were on the scene.
Chief John Burlett told TribLive that the homeowner’s quick action made all the difference. “When he arrived along with Officer Russ Hartzell, the men ran,” Burlett said. This wasn’t just a random act of vigilance — it was a perfect example of how smart home security can prevent a burglary from escalating.
For anyone reading this, it’s a reminder: a simple camera and alert system can turn a potential disaster into a situation where you actually have time to react. I can’t stress enough how much a proactive homeowner can impact outcomes like this.
Other cases in Whiteville highlight how vigilant communities can help law enforcement, as seen in the two suspects facing charges in a home robbery earlier this year.
The Chase Across Edgeworth — Officers, Residents, and Teamwork
You’ve probably imagined a real-life foot chase through your neighborhood, but this one actually happened. According to the Edgeworth Borough’s Facebook post, Officer Russ Hartzell chased the suspects across Oliver Road and Maple Lane, hopping fences and running through backyards.
One of the suspects was tackled by a man working from home, giving the officer the perfect opening to make the arrest. Another suspect was later found crawling through bushes by Leetsdale police, while the third suspect, in what police described as a “possible getaway car,” was stopped miles away.
Reading this, I can’t help but think about how teamwork — between police and everyday residents — can change the outcome of a dangerous situation. If you live in a neighborhood like this, consider: would you know what to do if something similar happened right outside your door?
Coordinated Police Action — Getaway Car and Multi-Agency Response
What struck me the most was how smoothly multiple agencies worked together. Ohio Township police were behind the getaway car when they received a “be on the lookout” alert.
That split-second timing meant the third suspect was stopped before anyone else got hurt.
The Edgeworth, Leetsdale, and Ohio Township police departments all played a role in this swift resolution.
When incidents like this unfold, it’s not just luck — it’s training, communication, and readiness. For anyone following this story, it shows how law enforcement coordination can literally catch criminals in the act.
Even incidents in Beulaville, where three suspects were arrested in a home robbery and two remained on the run, reinforce the need for local awareness.
Legal Status — Pending Charges and Out-of-State Warrants
Even though the suspects are in custody, the legal process is just starting. Chief Burlett said he plans to charge one suspect with burglary and the other two with conspiracy.
He also noted that one suspect had an outstanding warrant in Pennsylvania and another in Georgia.
No names have been released yet, which is standard procedure before formal charges. But the takeaway for you and me is clear: law enforcement follows strict protocols to ensure justice is done without compromising ongoing investigations.
Community Impact — School Lockdown and Public Safety
The burglary didn’t just affect the immediate neighbors — it impacted the whole community. The Quaker Valley School District went on lockdown “out of an abundance of caution,” according to district officials. The shelter-in-place order lasted until about 10 a.m., after which normal operations resumed.
When I read about this, I thought about how quickly a single event can ripple through a community. It’s a reminder to always stay alert, especially in quiet towns where incidents like this are rare but serious.
And if you have kids in local schools, it reinforces how important these precautionary measures are.
Police Response & Safety Reminder for Residents
After reading how quickly the police responded, I realized just how crucial community vigilance is. The Edgeworth Police Department urged residents to report any suspicious activity immediately, and it makes sense — one quick call can prevent a lot more damage.
If you live nearby, here’s what you can do today: keep your security cameras active, double-check locks, and know your neighbors.
Even small habits like these can turn a potential burglary into a story that ends safely, just like this one did. I’m thinking about adding a reminder on my phone to check the perimeter at night — simple, but effective.
If you want real-time alerts on similar incidents in your area, you can join local community update groups on WhatsApp — it’s a simple way to stay informed without missing anything important.
Broader Context — Burglary Trends in Western Pennsylvania
I wanted to see if this incident was part of a bigger pattern. According to FBI crime data and Allegheny County reports, residential burglaries have fluctuated over the past year but remain a serious concern in suburbs like Edgeworth.
Understanding trends like these isn’t just interesting — it’s empowering. Knowing what areas or times are more prone to break-ins helps you and your neighbors stay proactive.
It’s the difference between reacting after a crime happens and taking steps to prevent it entirely.
Similar incidents have occurred in nearby areas, like the Plymouth Township home robbery where police arrested two teens in a recent armed burglary case.
Final Take — Calm Restored, Investigation Ongoing
By the afternoon, calm had returned to Edgeworth. The three suspects are in custody, schools are back to normal, and police continue their investigation. But the story doesn’t end here. For residents, it’s a call to stay alert, maintain security, and support each other.
If you’ve got security cameras, double-check them. If you see something suspicious, report it. And maybe, just maybe, share a safety tip with your neighbors — small actions like these keep communities safe.
So here’s my question to you: if something like this happened right outside your home, would you feel prepared to act quickly?
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official police statements, local news reports, and publicly available social media updates. Details are subject to change as investigations continue, and no names have been released due to ongoing legal proceedings. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
