Home Invasion Sparks Neighborhood Action

Chattanooga Police caught two suspects at the scene of a home invasion on Albert Lane in Hixson. They are still looking for two others, but the crime has neighbors in the area ready to take action.

News of a home invasion traveled fast through Albert Lane and neighbors say they are shocked because many of them didn't hear a thing.

"It occurred it must have been pretty late hours," says Jeff Scruggs who has lived on Albert Lane on and off for 42 years.

However it was this morning when homeowners called police when several people broke into their house, and held them at gunpoint while their baby was asleep.Police arrested two suspects on the scene and say they have reason to believe that two more suspects are still on the loose.

Neighbors say its time to take action and restart a neighborhood watch.

"We are just hoping that increased awareness among the neighbors will help prevent some of these things," says Scruggs.

"We've all got to band together if we don't we wont make a dent in our problems out here," says James Pewitt who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years.

The neighborhood watch hasn't been active for years but neighbors say the home invasion and other crime something has to be done.

Several neighbors say over the years the neighborhood has changed and they have been meeting casually because they are seeing more crime each day.

We talked to Sgt. Jerri Weary with the Chattanooga Police Department who says anytime a neighborhood wants to arm themselves against rising crime, neighborhood watch is a good idea.

"Any reporting or sightings they have they can call the police department and it can help police with the investigation," says Sgt. Jerri Weary.

Those who live on Albert Lane say next time someone will be watching but they hope it isn't too late.