PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A burglary suspect was apprehended Thursday afternoon after a resident received a real-time alert from his home security system and saw a masked man inside his apartment, police say.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department said its officers responded around 3:38 p.m. June 4 to the Sanctuary Apartments at Winterlakes on Northwest Moorehen Trail in reference to a burglary in progress.
Police said the victim was away when he received a motion notification and checked his live camera feed, where he observed an unknown masked man inside his apartment. The victim activated the camera’s siren feature, causing the suspect to briefly leave before returning and attempting to manipulate the device.
As officers were en route, multiple witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee the victim’s apartment and enter another unit in the same building. When officers arrived, they found signs of forced entry, including damage to the front door and door frame.
Witnesses provided a description of the suspect and identified the apartment he entered. Officers set up a perimeter around the building while attempting to make contact. The department’s SWAT team responded to assist.
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After repeated announcements, the suspect exited the apartment and was taken into custody without incident.
Bodycam video shows the moment the suspect surrenders to Port St. Lucie police.
Detectives later obtained surveillance footage from multiple sources within the complex, including doorbell cameras, which showed a man matching the suspect’s description near the victim’s residence before and after the burglary. Investigators also found evidence that the suspect attempted to conceal his movements by obstructing a security camera.
Police determined a watch valued at approximately $300 was stolen during the incident.
Based on the investigation, 36-year-old Sebastian Thibodeau was arrested and charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. He was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail.
Based on the investigation, 36-year-old Sebastian Thibodeau was arrested and charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling. He was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail. (PSLPD)
The investigation remains active, police said.