Car burglar caught in the act by owner, who chased and confronted him as deputies arrived to make the arrest

A car burglar was caught in the act by the vehicle owner, who with a friend chased and confronted the man as sheriff’s deputies arrived to make the arrest, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Frank Molinario, 37, 404 E, D’Amour St., Chalmette, was booked with simple burglary and possession of stolen things after an incident that happened on West Beauregard Street in Chalmette about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, the sheriff said.

Molinario is being held in St. Bernard Parish Prison in lieu of bond set at $20,500.

The owner of the vehicle involved caught Molinario coming out of the vehicle, wearing a hat taken from the car and with clothing taken from the vehicle on top of the car.

When confronted, the suspect ran away, chased by the owner and a friend of his and they caught Molinario at Buffon and East Grand Hommes streets and were fighting with him when deputies arrived to make the arrest, the sheriff said.

When arrested, Molinario had cash, two watches and other items on him stolen from the car.

The victim’s stolen property was returned to him.