By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Just after noon on April 15, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a residence in the 7000 block of Pocahontas Road in McCalla to investigate a report of an alleged burglary.

The adult female victim reported that she had arrived home to see three white males leaving her garage. The three males had allegedly stolen tools from the garage and left in a black Ford Mustang.

A lookout was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies for the suspects and the black Mustang.

At approximately 12:20 p.m. Officer Philip Richards with the Helena Police Department observed a black Mustang with several pieces of yard equipment sticking out of the window. Richards then turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle.

Richards stopped the vehicle in the 5100 block of South Shades Crest Road near Timber Lakes where the suspects then fled into the woods, according to Helena Police.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Richards observed the yard equipment as well as a firearm and other items that were found to have been stolen from the residence in McCalla.

HPD immediately established a perimeter and with the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, two suspects were arrested within minutes.

Helena Police, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search of the area with three K-9 units, but were unable to locate the third suspect.

The suspect at large is described as a white male in his mid 30s, goatee, a stocky build and possibly with no shirt.

Helena Police is urging anyone who sees an individual in the area of Timber Lakes and South Shades Crest Road matching this description to immediately call 911.

Helena Police Chief Pete Folmar commended Richards on his heads up action and vigilance to detain the suspects.