San Francisco residents relieved after suspected prowler arrested

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- People living in San Francisco's Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods are breathing a sigh of relief after police caught a suspected prowler who was seen on surveillance video casing homes for months.

Police tracked the suspect down in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood where they made the arrest. Police said they believe a lot of items were stolen.

Officials said this investigation is still open because police believe the prowler may be connected to a series of break-ins across the city.

Residents in Noe Valley and the Castro said the suspected wig-wearing prowler was caught on camera several times. "This person has definitely been active, so when we see somebody work an area for burglaries or for crimes we see them usually hit an area until they get caught or they get spooked enough and they go somewhere else," San Francisco Police Department Capt. Joseph McFadden said.

Over the last few days, neighbors posted several videos of the suspect casing homes and even working with an accomplice at one residence. "Doesn't really look so much like a prowler, but he's got this other person following around, probably protecting them," San Francisco resident Andy Murdock said.

Another neighbor told ABC7 News the suspected prowler was in his home a few weeks ago at 5 a.m. and was chased out.

Police said the intruder is facing a number of charges. "Because as we're trying to investigate the different crimes and what they might have been involved in those are still pending," McFadden said.

Based on all the surveillance video, neighbors said this suspect has been working the area for several months.

Police hope anyone who recognizes the wig-wearing suspect will call them so they may be able to connect the suspect to any other break-ins.

Officials said they also want to track down the accomplice that was seen in one of the surveillance videos.