Neighbor helps police stop alleged burglary in progress

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. -- San Leandro police arrested two men on suspicion of burglary Monday morning after receiving a tip from an alert resident.

At 9:45 a.m., police received a call from a person who said they saw two suspicious men walking near the corner of Pontiac Street and Suffolk Drive, possibly casing the area, according to police.

The witness also mentioned the suspects had been driving a green vehicle that was parked on Pontiac Street.

When officers arrived, they spotted the vehicle and observed the two men in the backyard of a home. Officers then saw the suspects run into the home, police said.

Officers surrounded the home and shortly afterward, one of the suspects exited the house and surrendered to police.

Officers made multiple announcements asking the second suspect to exit the house and he eventually came out via the front door and surrendered, police said.

Police arrested the pair, Darius Swain, 31, and Ivin Prince, 26, both of Oakland, according to police.

An investigation revealed the suspects had entered the residence by prying open a side door and had ransacked the house while inside, police said.

Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli said community involvement is a crucial part of stopping crimes before they happen.

"The partnership between the community and the police ... prevented a burglary and saved the resident from losing any valuables," Spagnoli said.