A burglary suspect was nabbed at about 4 p.m. Wednesday in The Villages by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
In custody is Paul Anthony Direnzo, 30, of Belleview, who will face charges of burglary and criminal mischief.
He is suspected of breaking into a residence in the 1400 block of Teaberry Lane in the Village of Gilchrist at about 12:30 p.m.
A report of suspicious activity was called into the sheriff’s office communications center by a neighbor who saw the incident take place.
The deputies were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle. Direnzo fled on foot.
A K-9 unit and helicopter were used to help search for Direnzo.
A reverse 911 call from the sheriff’s office made citizens aware the search was on.
Direnzo was located at a home in the 1200 block of Eureka Mill Run in the Village of Bonita. A deputy spotted Direnzo entering the home owned by a family associate.
It was discovered a second house was also burglarized but nothing was taken.
A diamond ring and cash had been taken from the house in Gilchrist.
“The tips from the public were fantastic,” said Sgt. Robert Siemer.
Community Watch also provided assistance, Siemer added.
Direnzo has previous arrests in Marion County on charges of burglary and dealing in stolen property.
