A 12-year-old girl from Tennessee chased a burglar through a soybean field after she and her grandmother discovered him attempting to break into their house last week.
The Crockett County Sheriff’s Department said the incident took place just after 6 p.m. on July 17, WREG reported.
“She was with her grandmother when the suspect tried to break into her home, and both the grandmother and the 12-year-old began chasing him in an attempt to detain him for law enforcement,” explained sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Stephen Sutton.
Sutton said another person happened to be passing by and saw the chase through the field. The grandmother told him what was going on.
“He went around the corner to another road and saw the 12-year-old girl still chasing after him,” Sutton said, noting that the witness caught up with Robert W. Sills and held onto him until a farmer arrived with zip ties.
Deputies arrived and discovered that Sills was wanted on an outstanding warrant and now faces charges of criminal trespass and aggravated attempted burglary.
“We don’t encourage juveniles to take matters in their own hands…we prefer for them to call 911 and let the authorities do their jobs. In this particular case she was not hurt and her courage and bravery is exemplary,” said Sutton.
Sheriff Troy Klyce said his department commends “the bravery of the young girl and appreciate the assistance rendered by witnesses.”
“I am especially glad the young lady was not hurt by this nuisance in our community,” he added.
