Crime & Safety

Police Arrest Suspected Burglar Shown in Home Break-in Video

Police said they arrested a suspect in an El Cerrito home break-in that was captured on a surveillance video. The man was spotted by officers walking near police headquarters wearing the same clothes he was wearing in the video, police said.

By Alex Gronke

Police have arrested one of the two men captured on camera breaking into an El Cerrito home last week, according to the El Cerrito Police Department

Police said officers saw Dajuan Desheme Blackwell, 24, of Oakland on Friday walking within three blocks of police headquarters wearing the same clothes he had on in the surveillance video. 

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He was arrested, interrogated, and booked into county jail on suspicion of burglary.

The Sept. 24 video, posted on YouTube by the homeowner, begins with one of the suspects knocking on the front door. About three minutes into the five-minute video, it shows both suspects at the front door, one keeping watch while the other tries to jimmy the door with a crowbar and then kicks the door open.

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Police believe Blackwell is the man shown spotting the surveillance device just as his accomplice kicks in the front door.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney has filed burglary charges against Blackwell. 

Lt. Paul Keith said police are still looking for the second man in the video.

El Cerrito Police Department Tip Line:  510-215-4414 ext. 40 


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