MONROE COUNTY, Ga. — The Monroe County Sheriff's Office charged a man with burglary last week after they found him hiding underneath a business.
Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman says Juan Mateo was seen hiding underneath Watson Mercantile clothing store in Bolingbroke. They say the owners called in suspicious activity after they noticed him on their cameras crawling around.
“I certainly see him as a danger," Freeman said. "Anytime someone breaks into your business, they can be dangerous."
The Sheriff's Office responded to the situation and arrested him for trespassing but later found he was connected to another recent burglary at the Edward Jones Financial Advisor nearby.
“So, he's actually facing two counts of burglary, I believe [prowling and criminal trespassing,” Freeman said.
David Paul is the owner of F.G. Melissa, a custom framing store. He says he feels safe after he watched Monroe deputies respond to the scene quickly from across the street.
“For some reason a lot of things seem to happen in this area and Monroe County is always there,” Paul said.
Paul says many businesses around him have cameras and keep in contact for situations like this.
“Knowing that you have multiple people right next to you that are going through the same thing and any of us we are willing to help one another out,” Paul said.
Sheriff Brad Freeman agrees.
“Have situational awareness and be familiar with your surroundings and if something seems out of place or if you hear noises that shouldn't be there you know to investigate and find out what's going on,” Freeman said.